MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is likely extending the declaration of a state of calamity in the entire country brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, his spokesperson Harry Roque said.
According to Roque, there is a high chance that the President will renew Proclamation 929 issued in March, which is set to expire this week.
“Most likely po, dahil habang wala pang bakuna, habang walang gamot sa COVID, patuloy po ang epekto ng pandemya,” the spokesperson said during Monday’s virtual press conference.
He, however, clarified that he does not know yet when a subsequent proclamation will be signed.
The President initially placed the Philippines under a state of public health emergency on March 8, which was eventually scaled up on March 16 as the country confirmed local transmissions.
Under the declaration, all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) are asked to render full assistance and cooperation to provide “critical, urgent and appropriate response” to address the situation.
The declaration also allows the agencies and LGUs to tap quick response funds to enhance disaster preparedness efforts amid its fight against COVID-19./PN
