Duterte likely to extend state of calamity due to COVID

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to extend the state of calamity declaration due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The original proclamation, signed on March 16, will expire this month and has been under review by the President.

Palace Spox Harry Roque stated that without a vaccine or cure for COVID-19, the effects of the pandemic will continue, necessitating an extension.

An extended state of calamity allows national and local governments to utilize funds effectively for disaster response and basic services provision.