Some senators back shift to MGCQ for Metro Manila, other areas under GCQ

This is just one of scenes during the resumption of the MRT-3 operations at the North Avenue Station in Quezon City on the first day of the general community quarantine in Metro Manila on Monday, June 1, 2020. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — At least two senators on Friday expressed support for a shift to a less stringent modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for Metro Manila and other areas currently still under the GCQ.

“I think we wanted to go to MGCQ in the third quarter of last year pa so I’m curious why there’s still that debate, I think we got too comfortable with the GCQ, especially our authorities because it’s easier to maintain order if people are at home,” Sen. Sonny Angara said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel.

“But if you look at the performance of our economy, if we care about putting people back to work and making sure people are earning money and bringing home money to their families, then definitely it is a must to return to MGCQ with the proper protocols in place,” Angara added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recently agreed to place the whole country under the MGCQ.

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, has yet to decide on the matter and according to Malacañang, the President will issue his decision on Monday next week.

Like Angara, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said it’s about time the country shifts to a less stringent quarantine qualification.

“Kaisa ako ng IATF at sa magiging desisyon ng Pangulo. Mukhang napapanahon na talaga ito, lalo na’t kung tutuusin, lahat ng mga dapat na pag-iingat ay naituro na sa bawat isa,” Revilla said in a statement.

(I am one with the IATF in whatever the President’s decision is. It seems that it’s about time for this, especially now that proper health protocols have been instilled in the minds of the Filipino public.)

“Nasa kamay na ng bawat Pilipino ngayon na maging reponsable at gawin ang kani-kaniyang ambag upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng Covid-19 habang binubuksan natin ang ekonomiya, industriya, transportasyon, at mga hanapbuhay,” he added.

(It’s now in the hands of the public to be responsible and do their part to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 while we gradually reopen the economy, industries, transportation and generate jobs.)

Nevertheless, Revilla stressed that a shift to the MGCQ does not mean that the pandemic is over.

“Habang naghihintay tayo sa roll-out ng bakuna na uumpisahan na rin sa Marso, maigi na masanay na ang lahat sa new normal kung saan magkaakibat ang pag-iingat at ang mas maluwag na paggalaw,” he added.

(While we wait for the vaccine roll-out which will likely start in March, we ought to get used to the new normal wherein caution should be observed as restrictions are eased.)

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said a nationwide MGCQ should be complemented with allowing more public vehicles to ply the road and increasing passenger capacity to accommodate the expected influx of commuters.

“With strict adherence to health protocols, the readiness of the transportation system is important to shield the people from the hardships of commuting when they go out of their homes,” Poe said in a statement.

The senator also called for a “strong” vaccination program in light of the reopening of business.

Saving lives and moderating economic damage require a balancing act amid the ongoing pandemic, according to Poe.

JPV