Some senators believe a “modified community quarantine” is needed instead of an extended enhanced community quarantine.
Senator Francis Pangilinan said the problem is not on the lockdown but on the slow distribution of assistance since only 25 percent have only been able to receive such as of last week. “Talagang lalabas nang lalabas ng bahay ‘yan para maghanap ng makakain. Kaya kailangang pabilisin po natin itong pagdistribute nitong cash assistance. (They surely will go out of their houses to find food. That is why we need to speed up the distribution of cash assistance) in coordination with the local governments,” Pangilinan added.
The Senate assured a martial law-like scenario amid the enhanced community quarantine is impossible. “Whatever it is, it is not martial law. It’s a type of enforcement for the hard- headed ones,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said.
Meanwhile, Senator Manny Pacquiao defended the situation of President Duterte and said the Chief Executive is torn between choosing to continue the lockdown while considering hunger and people losing job or to lift it with the possibility of more deaths.
Senator Grace Poe also suggested that employers and companies coordinate with the government to ensure the protection of workers. – Report from Eunice Samonte