President Duterte mulling MGCQ

To help bring the country’s economy back on track with consideration to the current health crisis, President Rodrigo Duterte might soon declare the entire Philippines under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) starting March.

This possibility was aired after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and Metro Manila mayors have agreed to recommend the implementation of MGCQ status nationwide.

“Inaasahan naman natin dahil meron nang ganitong kasunduan sa panig ng IATF at ng mga Metro Manila mayors eh baka naman po sumang-ayon ang ating Presidente (We expect that since both the IATF and Metro Manila mayors have sought [the imposition of MGCQ in the country], perhaps the President might also agree),” Presidential Spokesperson, Harry Roque, said in an interview with PTV-4.

Roque, also added that, the President might decide on Monday, February 22, after a scheduled cabinet meeting in Malacañang. However, the formal announcement will be aired late this month.

If the President declares a nationwide MGCQ, Roque said that the “special rules” imposed in GCQ zones like Metro Manila would be lifted.

 “Wala na ‘yung special rules sa GCQ dahil lahat po tayo ngayon, covered ng mga rules under MCGQ at least pagsimula ng a-uno ng Marso at kung papayagan ng Presidente (There would be no special rules imposed in GCQ, once the President agrees to declare MGC by March 1),” Roque said.

Currently, places under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) are Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batangas, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Lanao del Sur.

Would this mean riders can ride anywhere without much hassle, just like pre-lockdown times?

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