Metro Manila mayors recommending GCQ for another 30 days — Olivarez

Parañaque City Mayor and Metro Manila Council chairman Edwin Olivarez on Monday said mayors across the metro are suggesting that general community quarantine should be maintained in the National Capital Region for the next 30 days or the whole month of September.

In a Dobol B sa News TV interview, Olivarez said the mayors' meeting was held on Sunday night together with some Cabinet members.

"Doon po sa pulong, pinagkaisahan po ng lahat ng mayors na irerekomenda sa IATF na i-maintain po 'yung GCQ, 'yung ating general community quarantine starting September 1," Olivarez said.

"Ang pinag-uusapan po ay hindi 15 days eh, kung hindi 30 days pero 'yan po ay recommendation po sa IATF. Pero sila po ang magrerekomenda sa Presidente," Olivarez added.

The number of days which the GCQ will be implemented will still be discussed, Olivarez said.

Olivarez explained that the basis of their recommendation was to balance health and economy in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ang pinagbasehan po niyan ay 'yung pagbubukas ng ekonomiya nang dahan-dahan nang hindi po puwede pong i-compromise 'yung health protocol natin dito," Olivarez said.

In relation to the opening of more industries, Olivarez said they are also eyeing to implement a shortened curfew, which will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

He said localized or granular lockdowns would be enforced in areas where there are increasing infections of COVID-19.

The National Capital Region and other provinces were placed under GCQ from August 19 until August 31.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce within the day the new quarantine status of Metro Manila and other provinces beginning September 1. — RSJ, GMA News