State of calamity
LIKE many of the world’s countries, the government remains vigilant against the possible resurgence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines.
Thus, President Marcos would do well to extend the period of state of calamity in this poverty-stricken Southeast Asian nation of close to 110 million people.
Under a state of calamity, the government could appropriate and utilize funds, including the quick response fund (QRF) to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
During the period, concerned government offices and agencies may also monitor and control the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, according to reports.
The Department of Health, through officer-in-charge Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, has already asked President Marcos to extend the state of calamity.
Reports said that the DOH made the request after the bill creating the proposed Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control was not enacted into law on time.
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Marcos declared a state of calamity to allow national and local governments to continuously deliver pandemic-related interventions.
For the benefit of the Filipino people, particularly the poorest of the poor in various parts of the country, President Marcos ought to extend the state of calamity.
The state of calamity in the country, which is now on the way to economic recovery, is set to end on Saturday, December 31, according to health department reports.
Extending the state of calamity is a move in the right direction.
