Before the DOH and RITM arrived for the inspection, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro said they will open the local government’s COVID-19 testing center this Friday even without a license to operate.
The mayor said they are invoking their local autonomy. Presidential Proclamation No. 922 also serves as their basis in doing everything they can to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We need to do testing. Kailangan natin ito upang sa ganon malaman natin kung sino ang infected. Para sa ganon maalagan natin siya agad (We need it to determine who are infected so we can give them proper care),” Teodoro said.
“Idemanda na nila ako. Para sa mga kababayan ko dahil ito yung kailangan eh (They can sue me. This is for my citizens because this is what is needed),” he added.
The mayor asserted having followed the protocols and recommendations issued by the DOH and RITM.
Marikina has bought 3,000 additional test kits on Tuesday and started transferring some equipment like PCR machines.
The city has failed to get the approval of the health department for their first proposed testing lab in Marikina City Health Office last month, which has led them to look for another facility to convert as a laboratory.
Meanwhile, the DOH asserted it is not restraining Marikina City from opening and operating its own laboratory. In fact, the DOH has been affording the city government technical assistance for their lab currently on stage three. – Report from Sandra Samala
