The Inter-Agency Task Force will make sure that there would be no “second wave” of COVID-19 infection if Metro Manila would be placed in the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, it should be ensured that the number of COVID-19 cases would not increase if the government would implement the more relaxed community quarantine.
“We are still looking for some kind of data that would indicate that Metro Manila if we give it more liberty so to speak under MGCQ’ no, will not spark a second wave. We cannot afford a second wave, and that is why we are looking at…data ‘no, but an indication that if we completely loosen up or almost completely loosen up, because there is no such thing as completely loosen up now, is that the cases will not spike,” said Roque.
Therefore, he said the people of Metro Manila should cooperate and ensure social distancing, wearing a face mask, and staying healthy.
Roque also said the task force is still deliberating if areas under the MGCQ would be lowered to “new normal” and those under GCQ like Metro Manila would shift to MGCQ.
Roque acknowledged that Metro Manila is considered the epicenter of the virus. Though there are indications that the situation is getting better, the number of cases continues to increase. He said the IATF would have a long discussion on whether Metro Manila and under areas under GCQ would transition to MGCQ.
Also read: Metro Manila has ‘even’ chances of shifting to MGCQ
Customs earned P18.69 million from auctioning overstaying containers
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) earned P18.69 million after auctioning off 19 container vans, which overstayed or were not claimed by owners at the Port of Manila and Davao.
The BOC said the 19 containers are just some of the 271 overstaying containers from May 22 to June 5 this year. They contain electronic products such as televisions, tiles, and plywoods.
Two hundred fifteen of these are condemned containers while the Port of Subic donates 11.
“Overstaying cargoes for more than 30 days from the date of discharge which have not been withdrawn within the specified period of time shall be tagged abandoned, and upon finality of the Decree of Abandonment, the Bureau shall then make the proper determination as to its disposition,” said BOC.
Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), goods that are part of condemned containers can be donated, declared for official use, and sold at public auction.