Metro Manila mayors prefer GCQ due to new coronavirus variant

Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano and most Metro Manila mayors prefer keeping the National Capital Region under general community quarantine (GCQ) due to concerns over the new coronavirus variant.

Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia said mayors are prepared for either GCQ or a more relaxed modified GCQ, depending on guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force.

Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro emphasized the need to base decisions on scientific data and expressed concerns over easing age restrictions.

The Metro Manila Council will meet on January 26 to discuss whether the region is ready for MGCQ, considering active cases and the new variant.