Like many, some Metro Manila mayors were also stunned by the government’s sudden shift to the new quarantine classification that would have been implemented in Metro Manila this Wednesday.
The NCR was scheduled to be transferred to general community quarantine (GCQ) in conjunction with implementing the “granular lockdown” and alert level system.
But because it has not yet been planted, the region was first placed in modified enhanced community quarantine.
“Really the purpose is to limit the confusion, not to confuse the public,” defense of DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya.
According to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, it is clear to the mayors that there will be a change, and they are ready to follow whatever it is, but the decision is too late.
“Una late na sila nag-announce. Pangalawa andami pa ring nalilito dun sa GCQ, GCQ pero alert level 4, MECQ… Ang gulo, ang gulo gulo niya,” said Binay.
Binay added that it is not clear to the mayors what the DOH’s assessment will be based on what alert level will be given in each area.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez says among those to be ironed out are the affiliated security forces that will implement new granular lockdown protocols.
“We need more security forces to implement granular lockdown,” he said.
Abrupt change of quarantine protocol in NCR caused confusion
The issue of financial assistance from the national government is said to be vague. Food packs will be distributed by the LGU and DSWD to those affected.
Abrupt change of quarantine protocol in NCR caused confusion
Malaya promised that the guidelines on the new system could come out within 3 days.
Meanwhile, businesses and workers are disappointed and depressed due to the government’s sudden withdrawal from implementing general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila this Wednesday.
Many of them have prepared, spent, and hoped to recover their income and return to work.
Dine-in is still prohibited because the NCR has been retained under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
According to Resto PH, the preparation for a restaurant to open is not trivial.
The Akbayan partylist thinks that the government should pay the expenses of the businesses due to the mishap caused by the allegedly sudden decision-making process.
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