Villanueva sees possibility of NCR sliding back to ECQ

Senator Joel Villanueva on Wednesday said he is not scrapping the possibility of Metro Manila sliding back to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status as COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region continue to rise.

In a virtual interview with reporters, the chairperson of the Senate committee on labor said he would support such a move if ever the executive officials would declare to do so.

Metro Manila, which has been under the general community quarantine since June 1, registered over 28,000 cases as of July 14.

As of July 15, the Philippines has 58,850 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 20,976 recoveries and 1,614 deaths.

"In fact, it is also worth considering to go back to ECQ, sapagkat if you look at the hospitals, here in Metro Manila for example, ang dami nang nagsasabi na full capacity na sila so it's a balancing act," Villanueva said.

"Again, our decision must be based on data. Looking at the numbers, I will not be surprised if we will go back to ECQ... If we go back there, then I will support it," he added.

Villanueva emphasized that health facilities may be overwhelmed if quarantine protocols will further be eased. He underscored that regular and random COVID-19 testing among workers must be given by employers.

"If we are not going back to ECQ, I am calling our government to issue order mandating workplace surveillance, conducting epidemiological monitoring," he said.

"I think the businesses should walk the extra mile, though it's hard, but I think if they wanted to operate, if they wanted to start the ball rolling, they really have to make that sacrifice," he added.

It would be best if the government could step in to provide these testings but the senator acknowledged that its resources are limited.

Further, Villanueva highlighted the importance of following occupational safety and health standards. He said regions which registered the "worst" compliance in 2019 are the same ones with the highest COVID-19 cases now—Metro Manila, Central Visayas, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. 

On Tuesday, Metro Manila Council chairperson Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the council was unanimous in favoring the extension of the general community quarantine in the National Capital Region.

"Doon po sa pagmi-meeting namin ang consensus po ng karamihan ng ating Metro Manila mayors ay extended po ‘yong GCQ. ‘Yan po ‘yong consensus ng bawat isa sa amin," Olivarez said in an interview on Dobol b sa News TV.

He added there will be slight changes in the GCQ to give way to the reopening of the economy but health protocols will not be sacrificed. — RSJ, GMA News