In support of the local government’s effort to effectively address the impact of coronavirus disease, the Quezon City Council has passed 113 COVID-related measures in a span of almost one year.
In his report during the executive committee meeting, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto said the legislative branch introduced and passed these measures in n order to establish safety protocols, procure needed equipment, and provide financial and medical assistance among others.
“We, in the city council, believe that the timely passage of needed legislative measures is not just a way to show our full support to the Executive department, but to also ensure the efficient implementation of all their initiatives as we fight this pandemic for the betterment of Quezon City”, said Sotto.
Some of these ordinances are: the provision of guidelines for special concern lockdowns to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of QC Public Safety Hours, grant of financial assistance to all frontliners who tested positive for COVID-19, and the free use of tablets for blended learning.
The vice mayor added that the council has also passed 21 other ordinances which are business-related, mostly providing taxpayers with tax relief, credits, or incentives in the midst of the strained economic landscape.
Further, 577 resolutions were also confirmed. These include the resolution introduced by majority leader Councilor Franz Pumaren declaring a state of calamity in Quezon City when the pandemic broke in March last year.
Mayor Joy Belmonte, meanwhile, lauds the council whom she described as swift and responsive in passing the city’s priority measures.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating Sangguniang Panlungsod para sa kanilang mabilis na pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga residente ng lungsod kahit nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya. Higit pa nga nilang ipinaramdam sa atin na walang iwanan,” said Belmonte.
Sotto, in response, also expressed his gratitude to Belmonte for “cultivating a harmonious relationship between the council and the executive department,” which according to him is a blessing beneficial to all QCitizens. – Report from Allan Francisco
