President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday has placed mainland Luzon under enhanced community quarantine as a stricter means to address COVID-19.
“Pursuant to my powers as President under the Constitution and Republic Act No. 11332, I am placing the entire mainland of Luzon under [Community] Quarantine until April 12, 2020, coinciding with the entire end of Holy Week… It will be an enhanced quarantine, during which the movement of everyone will be significantly limited,” President Duterte declared.
Under the enhanced community quarantine, the directive for the public to stay home shall be strictly implemented.
“Paano natin mapigilan ang contagion kung sige kayo labas nang labas tapos (how can we stop the contagion if you keep going out and) you mingle with the others? Nakita mo naman the crowded queues that are being created by ‘yung gustong sumakay (you have seen the crowded queues that are being created by those who want to have a ride)… Kung maaari lang po stay home (If possible, stay home)” he said.
The chief executive has assured the sufficiency of food supply for all amid the crisis, and has ordered concerned agencies to address the matter.
“What I would like to assure you, ang ano dito is (the concern here is): Saan kami kukuha ng pagkain ‘pag hindi kami lumalabas (how do we get food if we don’t go out)? Now, it behooves upon the barangay captain…I have been assured by Ramon Ang mismo of San Miguel and the other food conglomerates that there will be sufficient food, that there will be no hunger in the coming weeks because we have enough supplies,” he guaranteed.
President Duterte also urged companies to show empathy to their workers while measures are observed amid the ongoing crisis. He urged employers to release the 13th month pay and salary of their workers to help sustain their needs.
He also asked big businesses to help small and medium-sized enterprises if possible.
Meanwhile, President Duterte clarified that the Luzon quarantine is not Martial Law.
“Hindi ito (This is not) Martial Law. Huwag kayong matakot (Don’t be afraid), walang magdi-display ng baril diyan except ‘yung mga members ng Armed Forces or police (no one will display guns except members of the armed forces and police),” he said.
“Ang kalaban natin ‘pag Martial Law ay ang mga tao na sumasalakay at naghihimagsik. Pero sa panahong ito, ang kalaban natin ay tayo at ang sakit na COVID (The enemies in Martial law are those who attack and instigate rebellion. This time, our enemy is COVID),” he added. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
