OCTA not responsible for decision to enforce lockdowns, fellow says

The decision for implementing lockdowns lies in the hands of the local and national government and not with the OCTA Research, one of its fellows, Dr. Ranjit Rye, clarified on Monday.

"OCTA Research is a private research organization here with the intent very clearly to help, to contribute to the collective response. The decision for lockdowns are really at the local level and the national level. They decide," Rye said during a congressional hearing.

"We merely recommend. It's wrong to say that OCTA is responsible for the decision of the government. (The) government has the Department of Health," he added, noting that the group has different models with DOH but it is sharing it with the health agency.

Rye also acknowledged that in imposing lockdowns, issues with the economy must also be taken into consideration.

Quezon City Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay raised during the inquiry that the group's remarks is being used as a basis for the implementation of lockdowns amid the health crisis.

"Pagka nagbigay kayo ng pronouncement, it's taken at its face value, it's being used now as a basis for LGUs and sometimes by the national government for their reactions. Doon nagiging resulta noong lockdowns," Suntay said.

(When you give pronouncements, it's taken at its face value, it's being used now as a basis for LGUs and sometimes by the national government for their reactions. This often results in lockdowns.)

The OCTA Research is an independent group that gives projections and warnings about the COVID-19 pandemic.

It often gives suggestions on the quarantine classifications that will be implemented by the national government amid the pandemic.

Representatives Bernadette Herrera, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Sharon Garin, Stella Luz Quimbo and Jesus “Bong” Suntay lodged House Resolution 2075, which urged the House committee on good government and public accountability to conduct an inquiry "in aid of legislation to ascertain the credentials and background" of OCTA Research. -NB, GMA News