Metro mayors for GCQ; welcome OFWs — Du30
Published May 28, 2020 12:00 am
PUNCHLINE
By FRED M. LOBO
Fred M. Lobo
Metro Manila mayors have recommended to President Duterte the placing of the the National Capital Region (NCR) under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective June 1.
Time to balance health and economic concerns, time for " new normal," they agreed.
Fred M. Lobo
Metro Manila mayors have recommended to President Duterte the placing of the the National Capital Region (NCR) under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective June 1.
Time to balance health and economic concerns, time for " new normal," they agreed.
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Meanwhile, Duterte ordered local government units (LGUs) to accept some 24, 000 returning overeas Filipino workers (OCWs) after due testing and quarantine. Once "cleared," accept them, and don't be "cruel" to your kababayans, he said.***
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of the mayors of 16 cities and one municipality, told the President and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) it's now time to downgrade NCR's modified ECQ. “ We, NCR mayors are unanimously in favor of GCQ,” they said.***
However, the mayors said they may still implement localized lockdown in areas with high cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19 ) disease . Limited lockdowns in infected barangays may work better.***
But the mayors suggested that buses and jeepneys should remain suspended until safer arrangement are in place. Safer public transport needed, they said.***
However, taxis, Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), shuttle buses, point-to-point buses, tricycles, and pedicabs would be allowed to operate under GCQ, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said. A “modified” number coding for private vehicles may be adapted, he added.***
"Based on our talks with mayors, we need to re-open the economy because many will die of hunger,” Garcia said. But Metro residents must observe health protocols set by the Department of Health (DoH), he added.***
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that a barangay (village)-based lockdown will be adopted, if necessary. Yes to a more practical and reasonable community quarantine scheme.***
President Duterte has ordered local officials to accept the 24,000 returning overseas Filipino workers ( OFWs) , provided they have been cleared by proper authorities as "safe." "Open the gates of your territories and allow Filipinos to travel where they want,"he said.***
Duterte was irked by reports that some local officials were blocking the return of Filipino repatriates despite completing quarantine requirements. "Only the national government can impose restrictions on travel because it is the only agency that can declare that there’s an emergency of national interest and that power of declaration is not shared by anybody,” he said.***
The President said local officials are not allowed to “unilaterally” close their borders unless they get permission from the IATF. “It is a right, constitutional right, of people to travel and go home. Do not impede it, do not obstruct the movement of people, because you run the risk of getting sued criminally,” he said.***
Duterte also ordered health and labor authorities to facilitate the return of OFWs to their places of residence and their families Yes, kick COVID away but welcome returning Pinoys.***
The President stressed that the use of masks and social distancing in public places must continue while the pandemic exists. " (Or) there will be danger and disaster" he warned.***
Duterte added that he will not allow the unsafe opening of classes " na magdidikit-dikit ang mga bata." Necessary precaution needed. "Let us not be reckless," he said.