Palace: State of calamity due to COVID-19 ‘possibly’ extended for three months

The state of calamity is possibly extended for the next three months, according to Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles on Monday.

At a Palace press briefing, Cruz-Angeles said the state of calamity is extended to "preserve" the benefits that will be obtained if a state of calamity is enforced in the country.

"We’re happy to announce that we are 6% away from the wall of immunity. That’s why malakas na ang loob natin for face masks. Now congruent to that as well, the state of calamity is extended for possibly three months but only for the purpose of preserving the benefits under it such as but not limited to the indemnification, emergency procurement, special risk allowance for healthcare workers," she said.

"We will transition out of the state of calamity after further review," Cruz-she  added.

In September 2021, former President Rodrigo Duterte extended the COVID-19 state of calamity in the country until September 12, 2022

Duterte had said the extension would "effectively afford the national government, as well as local government units, ample latitude to continue to implement the COVID-19 vaccination program."

The extension also allowed the government to utilize appropriate funds, including a Quick Response Fund, and monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities as well as provide basic services to affected populations.

Last week, the Department of Health recommended to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) the extension of the state of calamity in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire had asked  Congress to extend the validity of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act, saying its provisions would become invalid once the state of calamity is lifted. — RSJ, GMA News