It’s up to us to protect ourselves, says Gatchalian ahead of GCQ for Metro Manila

Published May 31, 2020 07:26 PM

People must look out for themselves once Metro Manila shifts to a general community quarantine (GCQ), a senator said over the weekend, while another said conditions should be expected to get even more ugly before they improve.

In a statement on Sunday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the public must take responsibility for themselves as testing capacities have not fallen in line with expectations.

"[Tomorrow] is the beginning of the GCQ in [Metro Manila]. Let's be realistic, the intended testing capacities will not happen as scheduled," he said.

Metro Manila and other "high-risk" areas have been on lockdown since March 17. A modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) has been placed from May 15 to last until May 31. This will then shift to a GCQ starting June 1.

The administration has repeatedly said it is aiming for a daily testing capacity of 30,000 for the coronavirus. While this target has yet to be officially met, the goal has been raised to 50,000 for June.

The highest number of daily tests conducted, however, has only been recorded at 11,509 on May 14. The majority of this was provided for by the private sector.

"It’s up to us to protect ourselves and our families: avoid gatherings, wear mask, social distance and go home immediately. Nasa atin na ang responsibilidad," said Gatchalian.

"Sadly the government's response thus far, 3 months into the pandemic, and the continued rise in [COVID-19] cases, the absence of mass testing and the allegations of corruption and overpricing altogether do not inspire confidence," Senator Francis Pangilinan said in a separate statement.

As of Saturday, May 30, the Philippines has so far recorded a total of 17, 224 confirmed COVID-19 cases. This includes 3,808 recoveries and 950 deaths.

"[T]here is no way around the real COVID-19 situation in the country," Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said separately.

"Now that the backlogs are being corrected, expect things to get ugly before they get better. One thing is certain: they were not completely honest in their daily situation report before," he added. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News

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