House reso wants non-operational hotels used as quarantine facilities

A resolution seeking the use of hotels who have gone out of business due to the pandemic as quarantine facilities for mild COVID-19 cases has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Last April 7, Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay filed House Resolution 1694, urging President Rodrigo Duterte help decongest hospitals within Metro Manila by repurposing these hotels into accommodation centers for COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms and even non-COVID-19 patients.

The lawmaker said these hotels and accommodation facilities are still under restricted operations following the implementation of lockdowns in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

“[T]he repurposing of the hotels and other accommodation facilities as alternative health facilities can contribute in mitigating the effects of the pandemic in the industry. The rates chargeable by accommodation establishments to persons undergoing quarantine may be regulated by the [Department of Tourism],” Suntay said.

Citing Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act, Suntay said the state may temporarily takeover these facilities during national emergency and when the public interest requires it, subject to the limitations provided by the 1987 Constitution.

In a separate statement, Suntay said the resolution is in line with the appeal of Philippine College of Physicians asking Duterte to use the hotels in Metro Manila to decongest the healthcare facilities.

“We cannot deny that the recent surge in COVID-19 cases is not only a major issue for public health, but for the country’s economic recovery as well. Hopefully, we can decide on this resolution quickly, and we will soon be able to alleviate some of COVID-19’s impacts, for our country and people’s sake,” Suntay said.

At a public briefing Thursday night, Duterte said he can order authorities to take over hotels to ensure there are enough facilities for patients infected with COVID-19, “but that is not a remedy desired in a democratic state.”

With the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, some hospitals in the National Capital Region have reached full capacity.

On Friday, the Philippines recorded 10,726 new infections, bringing the total cases to 914,971 with 193,476 total active cases.

As of April 16, DOH said 84% of the intensive care units in Metro Manila are already occupied, 63% of the isolation beds are already occupied, and 72% of ward beds are currently utilized. -Hana Bordey/MDM, GMA News