Galvez on lifting or extending ECQ: Let’s wait for Duterte’s decision

There is no decision yet on whether the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon will be lifted or extended beyond April 13, according to retired general Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday.

At a virtual press briefing, Galvez, the chief implementer of the government's national policy against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), asked the public to wait for the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the final decision of the Chief Executive will always be for the good of every Filipino.

"On our way forward, let us wait for the decision of the President kung mali-lift o hindi ang tinatawag nating ECQ. Pero tingnan lang po natin, bago tayo mag-ano po, nakikita natin na 'yung Singapore po parang nagkaroon ng relapse, nakita natin bukas parang magkakaroon na sila ng lockdown..." Galvez said.

"Kaya po tinitingnan natin, we should be prepared, kung ano po ang maging desisyon dahil kasi po itong order na manggagaling kay Presidente ay para po sa ating common good. We want this crisis to be over as soon as possible," Galvez added.

Earlier, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte would listen to expert opinions before making a final decision as regards lifting or extending the strict home quarantine.

Some government officials have expressed their support on extending the mandatory quarantine for two more weeks so as not to wipe out the gains that have been achieved so far in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Galvez had said if the strict quarantine will be extended, it will possibly be for a maximum of 15 days.

Latest data from the Department of Health indicated that the number of COVID-19 cases in the country already reached 3,660, with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries. — RSJ, GMA News