MANILA – As more questions than answers were raised after President Rodrigo Duterte’s address to the nation, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday made clarifications on the “community quarantine” declaration in Metro Manila.
Secretary Eduardo Año said those with daily jobs in Metro Manila but live in nearby provinces will be exempted from the travel order as long as they present a work identification card or proof of employment.
“Lahat ng nagta-trabaho ay papayagan nating makapasok, pati ‘yung mga nakatira just outside Manila, ‘yung outskirts, pero may permanenteng trabaho sa Manila,” Año said.
Año also said the Philippine National Police (PNP), together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will establish checkpoints in entry and exit points of Metro Manila.
The government, through the Department of Labor and Employment, will also coordinate with private companies for possible work hours adjustments.
“Anything related to work or business, we are okay with that. Those in the economic cluster, including (Trade) Secretary (Ramon) Lopez and (Finance) Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez III), they said the work of people should not be hampered,” said Año.
Public land transportation to and from Metro Manila will still be available to ferry employees living outside Metro Manila but the Department of Transportation will issue guidelines to ensure that “stringent social distancing” is observed.
Transportation of goods and travels to and from the Metro will remain normal to ensure the continuity of the necessary supply of the people’s needs, while those who need to undergo medical treatment and operation would be allowed to enter the region.
““We are just restricting movement especially coming in and going out of Metro Manila (because we don’t want the virus) from (Metro) Manila going outside (because it would be more difficult) if it spreads to other regions,” Ano said.
President Duterte on Thursday ordered a “community quarantine” and travel ban for land, sea and air in and out of Metro Manila from March 15 to April 4, which is subject to review daily.
The said travel restrictions, recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, were made in an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in the country.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the “community quarantine” can be lifted any time or can also be extended./PN
