ECQ extension in Metro Manila draws mixed reaction from residents

The extension of enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila drew some mixed reactions from the public on Wednesday.

In a report on “Unang Balita,” motorcycle rider Armando Villerma told GMA News that he was in favor of the extension, considering the risk of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Pabor ako dahil wala pang naimbentong gamot na pamuksa doon sa COVID,” the rider said.

A vendor named Lisa Lazaro, who still gets by with some daily earnings, said she couldn’t fully support the lockdown on account of her peers, who totally lost their source of income.

“Ayaw ko sa lockdown, walang mga trabaho ang mga kasama namin,” Lisa said.

“Okay din ako kasi nagtitinda ako, pero hindi ako pabor sa lockdown talaga kasi hindi ka makauwi,” she added.

Another vendor Arnando Villerma has simply thrown up his hands, hoping the government would do its best to help affected residents like himself.

“Magtitiis talaga tayo. Gano’n lang. Sana makapagbigay ng ayuda ang gobyerno.”

#ECQSeason4 trended early on Twitter Tuesday morning, as Filipinos anticipated an extension announcement during President Rodrigo Duterte's morning briefing. 

It was presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in his press briefing at noon, who said the President had ordered the implementation of a “modified” ECQ in Metro Manila, along with Laguna and Cebu City, that continue to be considered “high-risk” in the spread of COVID-19.

According to Roque, the modified ECQ will run from May 16 to 31.

Click here to find out more about the guidelines of modified ECQ, and how it’s different from the current ECQ.

The Philippines has so far recorded 11,086 COVID-19 cases, with 1,999 recoveries and 726 deaths, according to government data. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News