NEDA proposes nationwide MGCQ by March

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua proposed placing the entire Philippines under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting March 1 to mitigate hunger and job losses.

Chua stated that the local economy incurred P1.04 trillion in income losses in 2020, averaging P2.8 billion daily, due to prolonged quarantine restrictions.

The proposal, which includes allowing individuals aged five to 70 to go outside their homes and pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas, has been submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for approval.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay expressed openness to the NEDA proposal, stating it is high time to test the least stringent quarantine classification.

However, some Metro Manila mayors, including San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, have opposed the proposal, suggesting Metro Manila remain under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Metro Manila mayors, led by Metro Manila Council (MMC) head and Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, will meet to assess if Metro Manila is ready for MGCQ, with Olivarez supporting the NEDA proposal due to economic recovery needs.

Olivarez emphasized the need to balance economic recovery with public health, citing the availability of vaccines.