Duterte likely to approve nationwide MGCQ by March 1

President Rodrigo Duterte may be convinced to approve the recommendation for a nationwide modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) by March 1.

This recommendation follows an agreement between the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases and Metro Manila mayors.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the President's decision on the new quarantine classification will be announced before the end of February.

If approved, special rules currently imposed in GCQ zones like Metro Manila would be lifted, and all areas would fall under MGCQ guidelines starting March 1.

Duterte is also considering Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua's proposal to shift to MGCQ to balance health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

A study by the National Economic and Development Authority indicated that prolonged lockdowns have led to increased hunger, poverty, and job losses.