PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday said he is inclined to extend until the end of the year the nationwide state of public health emergency declared by the former administration because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The state of public health emergency was declared in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak by former President Duterte. Under Proclamation 922, the state of public health emergency shall remain in force and effect until lifted or withdrawn by the President.
At the sidelines of the PinasLakas vaccination event held at SM City Manila, Marcos said he has been discussing the issue with Department of Health officer-in-charge (OIC) and undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
He noted that countries under a state of national emergency get a lot of medical assistance from the international community, including the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Maraming mga binibigay sa international medical community kapag state of emergency. WHO is one of them. At kung itigil natin ‘yung state of emergency, matitigil iyun (The international community gives a lot if there is a state of emergency. WHO is one of them. If we lift the state of emergency, it will be stopped),” he said.
“So malamang we will extend it until the end of the year (So likely, we will extend it until the end of the year),” the President said.
Marcos also said the government is looking at amending existing procurement laws to make adapt during times of emergency.
The President, during the PinasLakas event, received his second booster shot against COVID-19 and again asked the public to be fully vaccinated and those who are eligible to get their booster shots to get more protection against the virus.
As of August 16, 72.178 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated while 69.7 million had received their first dose and 17.15 million, their booster.
Meanwhile at the Senate, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that Sen. Grace Poe had tested positive for COVID-19.
Poe attended yesterday’s session virtually, along with Senators Francis Escudero who is still under isolation, Cynthia Villar who is still recovering from COVID-19, and Ramon Revilla Jr. who had to stay home after undergoing an eye operation.
Four senators have so far tested positive for the coronavirus – Alan Peter Cayetano, Villar, Imee Marcos and Poe. — With Raymond Africa
