Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has placed the entire House of Representatives on a four-day lockdown beginning today, March 18, in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.
Velasco issued the order Wednesday night, as he instructed House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza to ensure the strict implementation of the lockdown within the House premises in Batasan Complex until March 21 for the wellbeing of its members and employees.
“We have decided to place the entire Batasan Complex on a temporary lockdown from March 18 to 21 as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of House members and employees in view of the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila,” Velasco said.
The House leader also reiterated his appeal to the public to remain vigilant and continue all public health precautions against COVID-19, which has already killed 12,866 out of the 635,698 infections nationwide as of March 17.
“Now, more than ever, it is important to continue to maintain proper physical distancing, and practice good hygiene, as well as wear face mask and face shield,” Velasco said. “These are small steps that will surely help us in a big way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from contracting the virus as we continue the battle against this deadly disease. So please don’t let your guard down.”
In his announcement Wednesday night, Velasco enjoined lawmakers and employees to stay at home during the four-day lockdown “not just to protect ourselves, but also to help arrest the spread of the virus.”
“The House Members and the employees concerned will have access through the usual Zoom and livestreaming platforms during the scheduled committee meetings, public hearings and other events in the House of Representatives during the four-day lockdown,” the announcement also stated.
