Duterte extends PH state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the state of calamity in the country by one year amid the raging new coronavirus pandemic.

Malacañang on Friday released Proclamation No. 1021 which prolonged the declared nationwide state of calamity over the country for a period of one year, from September 13, 2020 to September 12, 202, “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.” The issuance was dated Sept. 16.

Duterte noted that even with “significant strides” in the pandemic response, “the number of COVID-19 positive cases and deaths continue to rise despite efforts and interventions to contain the same.”

The extension of the state of calamity was recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“This extension, will, among others, effectively afford the national government as well as local government units (LGUs) ample latitude to continue utilizing appropriate funds, including the quick response fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and provide basic services to the affected populations,” the President said.

Government agencies and LGUs were “enjoined to continue rendering full assistance and cooperation with each other, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19.”

The President also ordered all law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order in the affected areas.

The proclamation was issued as COVID-19 cases in the country hit 279,526 on Friday, of which 65,906 are active cases, 208,790 are recoveries and 4,830 are deaths.

Duterte first placed the country under a state of public health emergency on March 8, during the early days of the pandemic.

On March 16, Duterte escalated this to a six-month state of calamity due to the health crisis and placed the entire Luzon under a two-month strict lockdown to curb transmission. The lockdowns have since been eased.