Is It Status Quo Or MGCQ For Metro Manila?

Nation awaits President Duterte’s announcement on new quarantine

- Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos, Vanne Elaine P. Terrazola, Martin A. Sadongdong, And Chito Chavez

President Duterte is expected to an-nounce today Metro Manila’s and the rest of the country’s quarantine levels, a decision that Malacañang said will be anchored on the people’s right to safety and livelihood.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President will decide on the new quarantine levels, particularly of Metro Manila and Cebu City, both high-risk areas now under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

In an interview over Super Radyo DZBB, Roque said the President will make a decision based on what he thinks is right.

Economy

Roque said he agrees that Metro Manila and Cebu City are better off staying under the GCQ after June 15 because of the high number of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in these cities.

However, he said, the country is now at the point where it cannot afford to close down the economy again. That's why the government is now focusing more on strengthening the capacity to provide healthcare.

Parang hindi pa akma na magbukas nang ganiyan. Pero bahala po ang Presidente kasi binabalanse naman po natin iyong ekonomiya at sapat naman po iyong kakayahan nating magbigay ng medical care (I don't think it's time yet to relax the quarantine protocols. But it's up to the President because we're balancing the economy and our ability to provide medical care), Roque said.

Stay at home

Roque appealed to the public to stay at home and follow the quarantine and health protocols to prevent the situation from getting worse.