Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 28)— Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday proposed the abolition of the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force, saying “it’s not working” and that local government units are doing better in responding to the pandemic.
“I have a more radical idea on doing this…addressing this COVID-19 pandemic. For quite a long time, nakita naman natin ‘yung IATF wala e, it’s not working. Bakit hindi natin isipin na tanggalin na lang natin ‘yung IATF, ibigay natin sa LGUs,” Villanueva said during a hearing on the proposed 2022 budget of the Department of Trade and Industry.
“They know better and they’re doing better — ‘yung mga LGUs — than the national government,” he added.
[Translation: I have a more radical idea on doing this… addressing this COVID-19 pandemic. For quite a long time, we’ve seen that the IATF, nothing, it’s not working. Why not think of removing the IATF and giving its functions to LGUs…LGUs know better and they’re doing better than the national government.]
Villanueva made the statements as Senators Sonny Angara and Imee Marcos lamented the continued implementation of curfew hours and tight restrictions on dine-in services even for fully vaccinated individuals. The IATF is the policy-making body in government’s pandemic response.
Trade Secretary Mon Lopez said he has been pushing for the relaxation of these rules during IATF meetings. Villanueva said while its work is appreciated, it may be time to abolish the IATF.
“I just hope that it’s also an option,” Villanueva said.
CNN Philippines has requested comment from Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who also serves as spokesman of the IATF, on the matter but has yet to respond.
