By Fernan Angeles
IF they had their way, all 17 mayors in the National Capital Region would rather want to keep their cities under general community quarantine.
Metro Manila Council Chairman Edwin Olivarez said mayors from Metro Manila’s 16 cities and lone municipality are suggesting that general community quarantine should be maintained in the National Capital Region, at least for the next 30 days.
In radio interview, Olivarez, who is also the mayor of Parañaque City, hinted on a consensus that was determined in a mayors’ meeting was held on Sunday night together with some Cabinet members.
“Doon po sa pulong, pinagkaisahan po ng lahat ng mayors na irerekomenda sa IATF na i-maintain po ‘yung GCQ, ‘yung ating general community quarantine starting September 1,” Olivarez said.
“Ang pinag-uusapan po ay hindi 15 days eh, kung hindi 30 days pero ‘yan po ay recommendation po sa IATF. Pero sila po ang magrerekomenda sa Presidente,” Olivarez added.
The number of days which the GCQ will be implemented will still be discussed, Olivarez said.
The basis of their recommendation, Olivarez explained, was to balance health and economy in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ang pinagbasehan po niyan ay ‘yung pagbubukas ng ekonomiya nang dahan-dahan nang hindi po puwede pong i-compromise ‘yung health protocol natin dito,” says Olivarez who added that aside from a bid to keep the economy afloat, they are also eyeing to implement a shortened curfew, which will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Localized lockdowns would be enforced in areas where there are increasing infections of COVID-19.
The National Capital Region and other provinces were placed under GCQ from August 19 until August 31.
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce within the day the new quarantine status of Metro Manila and other provinces beginning September 1.