Senators discuss extending Luzon's ECQ

Senators on Friday discussed the possible extension of Luzon's enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) beyond April 13.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon supports extending ECQ until April 30, citing early data showing its effectiveness but stressing the need to ensure food supply and essential services during this period.

Drilon also suggested relaxing ECQ from May 1 to May 30 with no travel to/from Luzon, no malls, churches or mass gatherings, while some businesses could reopen in June.

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed support for extending ECQ due to rising COVID-19 cases but emphasized the need to exempt food and manufacturing sectors from lockdown restrictions.

Caloocan City Representative Edgar Erice expressed concern over proposals to lift ECQ partially, urging employers to cover medical expenses if workers contract COVID-19 during work resumption.