Duterte consulting experts on proposed nationwide MGCQ – Go

President Rodrigo Duterte consults with Sen. Christopher Go. (Photo from the senator’s ofifice)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will make a decision on whether to accept the proposal to put the country under a less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) based on “good science,” Sen. Christopher Go, his former aide, said in an interview on Sunday.

“The President will be carefully studying with the help of experts. The President’s decision will be based on good science,” Go said, speaking partly in Filipino.

“Ever since, the President has been regularly reviewing [policies] upon the advice of experts,” he added.

According to Go, Duterte started reviewing the proposal as the government rolled out the first doses of CoronaVac, the COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac SinoTech that was donated by China.

The vaccines were delivered on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Go said, easing quarantine restrictions to open up the economy would be done slowly.

“Slowly, because it’s still risky while COVID-19 is still here. The President is always thinking about the life and health of every Filipino. We will prioritize the health and life of every Filipino,” Go said.

Earlier, Duterte had approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to place several areas under a stricter general community quarantine until March 31. These areas are  Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Metro Manila, Mountain Province, Batangas, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao City, and Lanao del Sur.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, will be under MGCQ.

As for the conduct of physical classes, Duterte said he would not yet allow in-person classes.

Go suggested that Duterte consider allowing it in the next school year, by which time it would probably be safer to do so as the vaccination had already started. This would also give the Department of Education, school officials, and students time to prepare.

[atm]