President’s spokesperson hints on ‘conservative’ decision on lockdown
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s decision will be “conservative” on whether the Luzon-wide lockdown will be lifted, extended, or modified after April 30, according to his spokesperson. Mr. Duterte was scheduled to make the announcement late Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, in a briefing earlier on Thursday, said the decision will take into account the Department of Health’s assessment that the country is not yet at a point of flattening the curve in terms of the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. “Pasimula palang po ang pagbaba, so sabi ni Health Secretary (Francisco T.) Duque, nagsisimula palang ang plateu pero hindi pa ito (The cases are just starting to go down, so Health Secretary Duque said the plateu is just starting, but this is not yet the) flattening of the curve,” Mr. Roque said. Before making the announcement, Mr. Duterte was to meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), where he is expected to make clarifications on the decision tool presented to him earlier for a possible modified community quarantine policy wherein some restrictions could be lifted. “They (IATF-EID) have submitted the recommendation. It has been with the President and, if at all, perhaps in this meeting, baka meron clarifications gagawin ng Presidente (the President might have clarifications to make),” he said. — Gillian M. Cortez
Lacson bats for higher R&D budget
SENATOR Panfilo M. Lacson on Thursday said a bigger budget should be allocated to research and development (R&D) after President Rodrigo R. Duterte offered a P10-million reward for a Filipino who will be able to develop a vaccine to treat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “It would mean much more if the government invested more on research and development than the token annual average share of 0.4% from the General Appropriations Act,” Mr. Lacson said in a statement Thursday. Mr. Lacson, vice chair of the finance committee, is looking at increasing R&D funding by 1-2% in next year’s budget. “Even if we bump up the percentage to 1 or 2 percent of the national budget, it would make a major difference.” The President’s spokesperson said aside from the reward, a “substantial grant” will also be given to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for the development of the vaccine. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
ARTA orders gov’t agencies to set up one-stop shops
THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) called on government agencies to set up one-stop shops for their services to minimize the potential transmission of the virus causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and improve the movement of goods. In a statement Wednesday, ARTA said a centralized site will minimize public health risks by limiting the number of places that people need to go to. The Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has also approved ARTA’s call for a Bayanihan One Stop Shop for agencies working on accreditation and logistics. ARTA, along with the Finance department and the Bureau of Customs, released a memorandum circular on April 2 to streamline the importation of medical and protective products needed to contain the virus. ARTA Advisory No. 2 signed April 15 expands this streamlining process by suggesting the creation of a single window systems where individuals can submit application forms and required documents. The advisory applies to all government agencies under the executive department, including local government units and government owned or controlled corporations. ARTA also suggested a fully online application system to replace on-site application procedures. ARTA further urged government agencies to move to post-audit or post-verification procedures for transactions that do not directly affect public safety and health. “The current system requires deep assessments of applications prior to the issuance of the certificate, license, franchise, registration, etc. In the meantime, while the assessments are being conducted, the applicant is left helpless and under the mercy of the efficiency of the system,” the advisory said. “ARTA stands ready to assist government agencies that wishes to adopt these reform guidelines. During this trying time, it is our mandate that red tape shall be one less burden that the people need to worry about,” ARTA Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica said. — Jenina P. Ibañez
DICT reminds LGUs, homeowners’ groups that telecom personnel under ‘essential’ sectors
THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reminded local government units (LGUs) and homeowners associations of private residential areas not to block telecommunications personnel as they are part of what are considered as “essential” services. In a briefing Thursday, DICT Spokesperson Adrian G. Echaus said reports on telecom workers not being allowed to go through checkpoints and denied access in subdivisions are among the issues brought up by the sector to them and the National telecommunications Commission (NTC). “They are critical in ensuring availability in internet and mobile service during this pandemic,” Mr. Echaus said. The NTC has ordered all telecom companies to closely monitor and ensure uninterrupted service, which is particularly crucial amid the enhanced community quarantine. — Gillian M. Cortez
DILG tells local governments to allow passage of OFW service vehicles
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año on Thursday reminded local government units (LGUs) to allow the passage of vehicles carrying returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following an incident in Batangas province. Mr. Año, in a DZBB radio interview Thursday, said guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases order the “unhampered” passage of OFWs who have just come back to the Philippines and are arranged to undergo a 14-day quarantine in designated facilities. In a separate interview with DZBB, Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas said the bus carrying the OFWs was temporarily held because he was not informed of their arrival and protocols dictate the protection of residents from health risks. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration leads the coordination work. Mr. Mandanas assured that the provincial and other local governments in Batangas are prepared to give assistance. — Genshen L. Espedido
