Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday backed the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, but she said the cash aid should be distributed to the people, especially the poor.
Speaking to CNN Philippines, Robredo said the extension of the quarantine period would help “flatten the curve,” which health experts referred to as slowing the rate of coronavirus infection.
Robredo cited studies that showed a relapse may occur should the government lift the enhanced community quarantine enforced on March 16.
“There have been many studies already conducted; one of them is the Ayala-sponsored study showing that if we lift the enhanced community quarantine now, the chance the cases will peak by May is very high,” she said.
“It shows that if we extend the ECQ, chances are we have a greater opportunity to flatten the curve,” Robredo, a lawyer, added.
With the extension, Robredo said the government should explain to the people why the longer lockdown period is necessary during the virus pandemic.
Senators also support the extension of the lockdown.
Senate President Tito Sotto said the extension of the ECQ reasonable. “April 30 extension seems to be reasonable, considering the fact that DoH has no clear projection yet of how things are evolving. Better safe than sorry!” he said.
Sen. Sonny Angara said this will allow the government to “catch up” on testing suspected COVID-19 cases and “gauge the real public health situation.” He, however, maintained that basic needs must be delivered to the public.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the extension will ensure an “effective” mass testing, which the government set for April 14. “Pero siguraduhing may sapat na suporta para sa mga kababayan nating lalo pang maaapektuhan,” she said. (Raymund Antonio and Hannah Torregoza)
