Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) — President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to submit on Monday his latest report on the government’s effort to combat COVID-19 in the country, as Metro Manila awaits his decision on the status of its quarantine restrictions.
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act gives the president the power to reallocate funds from the 2020 national budget as he deems necessary in the country’s fight against COVID-19, although some lawmakers hold the view that the law itself has already expired.
One of the provisions is the granting of a ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 monthly subsidy to 18 million poor families for two months, as well as compensation for healthcare workers who have succumbed or had gotten ill because of the virus.
In his previous report, Duterte said about 17.64 million families, or 98% of the beneficiaries, have already received cash assistance under the first tranche of the Social Amelioration Program.
He said an investigation is still being conducted regarding issues related to the distribution of the cash aid.
The Department of Social Welfare said the distribution of the second tranche has already started, while the cash aid for the first and second tranches of the five million ‘waitlisted’ families under SAP will start this week.
Duterte said authorities are also looking into the alleged refusal of 43 hospitals to admit patients, the alleged overpricing of some COVID-19 testing machines, and the death of police doctor Casey Gutierrez at a disinfection facility.
The government also released ₱95.6 million for the Department of Health’s procurement of additional testing equipment.
The most awaited part of Duterte’s report on Monday is on whether Metro Manila and other areas under general community quarantine would ease into a more relaxed modified GCQ status after June 15.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said it may be best to keep the current setup in the National Capital Region after June 15 to prevent a sudden spike in COVID-19 infections. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque previously said that the latest COVID-19 numbers in Metro Manila do not “inspire relaxation” of current protocols.
Metro Manila was placed under general community quarantine last June 1 to allow more businesses to resume operations, but restrictions remain in place.
