Government leaves state of calamity decision to DoH

The government has left it to health authorities whether the Philippines should remain under a state of calamity amid increasing infections from Omicron subvariants.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles stated that the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) will determine if the state of calamity, set to lapse on Sept. 12, is extended.

The DOH is still studying the effects of lifting the state of calamity and has submitted considerations to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

One consideration is the ongoing vaccination program under Republic Act 11525, which would cease if the state of calamity is lifted, affecting emergency procurement of vaccines and other pandemic response measures.