Duterte extends COVID-19 state of calamity for one year

President Rodrigo Duterte has extended for one year the state of calamity in the Philippines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The extension, effective September 13, will last until September 12, 2021, unless earlier lifted or extended.

This allows national and local governments to continue utilizing appropriate funds for disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and provide basic services.

The extension will also allow the government to monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities.

Law enforcement agencies, with military support, are directed to implement measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.

This extension comes after Duterte signed the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act last week, which provides a P165.5 billion COVID-19 relief package.

As of September 18, 2020, the Philippines has 279,526 COVID-19 cases, with 208,790 recoveries and 4,830 deaths.