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Mayor Isko opposes calls to abolish IATF in addressing COVID-19 response


Mayor Isko opposes calls to abolish IATF in addressing COVID-19 response

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday said abolishing the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will not help the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Moreno slammed those who are calling for its abolition, pointing out that they are not the ones who are implementing the measures related to COVID-19 on the ground.

“Deep inside me, alam ko marami namang pagkukulang 'yung mga ilang tao but this doesn't help the situation,” he said in an interview on ANC.

(“Deep inside me, I know  that some people had shortcomings but this doesn’t help the situation.”)

“Maghunos-dili  kayo lahat. Wala naman kayo sa kalsada e. You're not on the ground. We're the ones implementing things. You're the ones saying things. Puro lang satsat,” he added.

(“You all should be prudent with your decision. You’re not on the streets. You’re not on the ground. We're the ones implementing things. You're the ones saying things. That’s all talking.”)

Moreno said the “mistakes” of the IATF should only be corrected.

While admitting that mayors had disagreements with the IATF in creating policies, Moreno said bringing a new set of officials to the IATF means another adjustment for mayors like him.

On Tuesday, Senator Imee Marcos and Senate President Vicente Sotto III called for the abolition of the current IATF to make way for a true "medical, science-based" approach in addressing the pandemic.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also stressed the need to "overhaul" the IATF and replace its members with public health experts. —KG, GMA News

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