‘Very small probability’ that state of calamity be extended in PH — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — There is a “very small probability” that the state of calamity in the Philippines due to COVID-19 be extended, Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday.

“The state of calamity has that very small probability na lang na it can be extended at baka hindi na nga ma-extend,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.

If the state of calamity would not be extended, the emergency use authorization of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines will no longer be valid, among other issues, according to Vergeire.

READ: DOH seeks 4th state of calamity extension 

In March 2020, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922, which declared a state of public health emergency in the country due to the new coronavirus outbreak.

According to the proclamation, the state of public health emergency could “remain in force and effect until lifted or withdrawn by the President.”

Duterte had also signed a separate proclamation declaring a state of calamity in the Philippines due to COVID-19.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended the declaration of the state of calamity only until December 31, 2022. Marcos expressed hesitancy in extending the declaration further.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization committee is set to meet on Jan. 27 to consider whether it needs to declare the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration is meant to bring a coordinated international response and could also unlock funding to enable the sharing of vaccines and treatments.

But Vergeire said the country is prepared for any possibility.

“So even when the public health emergency has been lifted, we know that the virus is here to stay, so the Philippines will continue to be cautious and vigilant and we will still be imposing the same restrictions that we have right now,” Vergeire also said.

JPV