Isko Moreno, Willie Ong favor Metro Manila's shift to Alert Level 1

The tandem of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Dr. Willie Ong on Wednesday said they are in favor of Metro Manila's shift to Alert Level 1 as recommended by the region's local executives.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, Ong said cases have been decreasing and the country's healthcare system can already handle them.

"Kasi mababa na 'yong cases eh. Tinitingnan ko sa ibang parte ng mundo, mukhang bumababa na siya," he said.

"Even if magluwag tayo, kung tumaas man kaunti, kakayanin na. Pero kung magtatanggal lang tayo ng mask basta-basta, ay baka umulit na naman 'yong nangyari sa atin dati," he added.

Moreno and Ong are running for president and vice president, respectively.

Metro Manila mayors earlier agreed to recommend the deescalation of the capital region to Alert Level 1 starting March 1.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.

The country has so far recorded 3,655,709 cases of COVID-19 with 3,544,283 recoveries and 55,977 fatalities.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News