By Hannah Torregoza Senators on Sunday expressed anew their fears of a possible new wave of transmission once Metro Manila eases COVID-19 protocols upon the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) beginning Monday (June 1). Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he can only hope that the government has been truthful about the real COVID -19 situation in the country from the start. “There is no way around the real COVID-19 situation in the country. Now that the backlogs are being corrected, expect things to get ugly before they get better,” Lacson wrote on Twitter. “One thing is certain: they were not completely honest in their daily situation report before.” The Department of Health (DOH) has repeatedly earned flak for releasing inaccurate data on COVID-19 patients and its inability to contain the pandemic. Senators had also earlier criticized Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for claiming the Philippines is already on its second wave of transmission, a statement he later on retracted. Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he, too, is skeptical about the government’s confidence that the NCR is now ready to gradually return to normal. “Sadly, the government’s response, thus far, three months into the pandemic, the continued rise in COVID cases, the absence of mass testing, and the allegations of corruption and overpricing altogether do not inspire confidence,” Pangilinan said in a statement. “The growing public sentiment amidst the conflicting and confusing public pronouncements is that we have been left to fend for ourselves.” Public should take extra care during GCQ Those who have no choice but to leave the confines of their homes to work during the GCQ must take extra health and safety measures when they go out. “Kaya ang mensahe ko sa mga kababayan nating kailangan lumabas ng mga tahanan at pumasok sa trabaho, i-doble o i-triple pa ang pag-iingat (That’s why my message to our people who need to go out of their homes and return to work, is to take double or triple care),” Pangilinan said. “Mag-mask at mag-face shield. Maghugas ng kamay. Kumain ng masustansya. Matulog ng walong oras (Wear a mask and face shield. Wash hands. Eat nutritious food. Sleep eight hours),” he added. “Kung walang pakialam sa ating kalusugan ang mga namumuno, panghawakan na natin at magtulong-tulong tayo (If our leaders disregard our health, let’s take care of it ourselves and just help each other out),” the lawmaker added. Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian also urged the public to be realistic, as they noted that the intended testing capacities of the government will not happen as scheduled. “It’s up to us to protect ourselves and our families: avoid gatherings, wear mask, social distance, and go home immediately. Nasa atin na ang responsibilidad (the responsibility rests in us),” Gatchalian said. “My fear is that the easing of the quarantine may expose thousands of Metro Manila workers and residents to a new wave of community transmission,” Hontiveros said. “However, moving forward, and even with the GCQ, we need to ensure that safety nets are in place, including more tests and personal protective equipment for workers and frontliners, work-from-home arrangements for those who are able, safe and sufficient transportation options for the public, and better support for and coordination with local government units,” she said.