By NG Seruela
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has decided to “defer” to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s decision about May’s community quarantine classification in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In a statement on Wednesday (April 28), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson and MMC Chair Benhur Abalos said the council will leave the decision to the President.
“The MMC just recommends to the IATF. Hence, it is within the purview of President Rodrigo Duterte to decide on the next NCR status,” he said.
Metro Manila and four nearby provinces – Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal – are under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) up to April 30.
Abalos also said the 17 Metro Manila mayors voted on three proposed quarantine classifications: enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), MECQ, and the “hybrid” or “flexible” MECQ.
He explained that the hybrid MECQ is intended to “allay the fear of health workers for a possible surge again. That’s why we want to do it gradually. By opening some businesses, we are also addressing the dilemma and hunger of those who lost their jobs.”
“The recommendation was based on data presented by health experts and also from NEDA as presented by Sec. Karl Chua. Through hybrid MECQ, we are hitting the middle ground. There will still be strict border controls to avoid transmission, but at the same time there will also be additional economic activities,” he added.
Abalos assured that the Metro Manila mayors are prepared for the implementation of any quarantine classification declared by the Chief Executive.
“The mayors don’t want the gains of ECQ and MECQ to be put to waste, especially since we’ve seen the downward trend on the growth rate. We are hoping that we can sustain it by our continued unified efforts,” he said. -jlo
