Some local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have admitted that the implementation of enhanced community quarantine is now more lenient.
It is noteworthy that even though Manila is now under ECQ, there are still many vehicles and people outside.
According to some mayors, the ECQ was accompanied by widespread vaccination against COVID-19 and aid distribution.
“Hindi pwedeng i-restrict lamang ang mobility. Kung ire-restrict ang mobility ng tao, hindi sila makakapagtrabaho at mawawalan ng hanapbuhay. Marami rin ang makakaranas ng pagkagutom,” said Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.
“‘Di puwedeng i-restrict ang mobility ng magpapabakuna. ‘Pag kukuha naman ng ayuda, hindi naman ito uuwi kaagad dahil may dalang pera na puwedeng magamit sa pamamalengke,” he added.
“Alam ko, marami ang lumalabas ngayon kahit ECQ, dahil sa dalawang bagay: ongoing ang vaccination at ang claiming ng ayuda,” said San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora.
“We are trying to find a balance na hindi naman mahihirapan masyado ang ating mga mamamayan sa ating kabuhayan, ekonomiya, at the same time, hindi naman maging dahilan na marami pang mamatay,” he added.
More businesses are also allowed to open now ECQ. However, there are still some who are forbidden but open because they have to make a living.
Some Metro Manila mayors admit current ECQ is more lenient
According to barangay officials, implementing the ECQ will be difficult, especially since more Authorized Persons Outside Residence are being released.
“Mas maluwag ang patakaran ngayon kumpara nung mga nakaraang taon dahil dati, totally ay hindi kami nagpapalabas ng tao, maliban na lamang kung kukuha ng essential services at emergency cases,” said Gemma dela Cruz, kagawad of Barangay 183 in Pasay City.
“Majority [ng mga tao], sumusunod naman. Pero mayroon talagang pasaway at sadyang matitigas ang ulo,” she added.
According to the Philippine National Police, they are still keeping a close eye on checkpoints and communities.
On Friday, the ECQ is scheduled to end in Metro Manila, and there is no decision yet on whether to extend it.
If National Task Force Against COVID-19 special adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa will be asked, he favors lowering Metro Manila to the modified ECQ (MECQ).
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