Published February 27, 2021, 12:52 AM
Everyone is looking forward to the start of the vaccination program in the Philippines. Until it happens, President Duterte said, the further easing of restrictions in Metro Manila to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) will not take place despite the consensus of Metro Manila’s mayors that it is time for it.
It had been hoped by many that relaxation to MGCQ, the last level of restrictions before a return to normal, would take effect March 1. But President Duterte said it will be safer to wait for the start of mass vaccinations.
The question is: When will that be and when are the vaccines coming?
MGCQ to swell full-time workforce by at least 108,000 – DoLE bworldonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bworldonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
OF SUBSTANCE AND SPIRIT
President Duterte made the correct move when he “gave his directives to the Cabinet that the Philippines would not be placed on Modified General Community Quarantine unless there is a rollout of vaccines.” He was quoted by the presidential spokesperson that he wanted to launc
Manila City Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso
(Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)
However, the Manila city government will comply with President Duterte’s directive to stay under GCQ until the country’s vaccination plan against COVID-19 has been rolled out.
“We are always ready for MGCQ,” Domagoso told reporters on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
“[But] if that is the policy of the President, then we, in the local government unit under the supervisory authority council, will follow the same,” he added.
During the Metro Manila Council’s meeting on Feb. 18, Domagoso was among the nine mayors who voted for the shift to MGCQ in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Breathing space | BusinessWorld bworldonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bworldonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.