Velasco backs NEDA’s proposal to place Philippines under MGCQ

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has expressed support on the suggestion of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to place the entire Philippines under modified general community quarantine beginning March.

In a message to reporters Wednesday, Velasco said Filipinos should start "patronizing" business again but with strict observance of the health protocols set by the national government.

"I personally agree with NEDA's proposal to place the entire country under MGCQ next month. It is about time we safely relax pandemic restrictions to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the economy," Velasco said.

"With vaccines on the way, we should start encouraging our countrymen to patronize businesses again while strictly adhering to minimum health and safety protocols," he added.

On Monday night, NEDA made the proposal as it aimed to balance the country's response to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the need of Filipinos to start earning and spending

NEDA chief Karl Kendrick Chua said the proposal could reduce hunger in areas which are still placed under strict lockdowns.

The said proposal is awaiting the nod of President Rodrigo Duterte.

But some mayors in the National Capital Region have opposed NEDA's recommendation, adding that the national government should consider the opinion of health experts regarding the matter. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News