Nationwide MGCQ in March to Be Recommended to Duterte: Roque

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to decide on a recommendation from the country's pandemic response task force and Metro Manila mayors to place the entire country under the lowest quarantine in March, Malacanang said.

A shift to MGCQ will herald the easiest form of restrictions one year since the entire country was placed under coronavirus quarantine. Duterte could decide as early as Monday, during his weekly address to the nation, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

What will a shift to MGCQ from GCQ mean? Public transport will be expanded, businesses can operate at higher capacities and more people can assemble for public gatherings. Until Feb. 28, the entire country is under MGCQ except for Metro Manila Cordillera Administrative Region, Batangas, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Iligan City which are under GCQ.

ALSO READ:

Reopening of Cinemas to Start in March Subject to LGU Rules, Says Palace

Quarantines May Be Relaxed Further in March, Says NEDA's Chua

Quarantine Hair Too Long? You Can Donate Them to Cancer Patients

"Nagkasundo na yung IATF na nagrekomenda sa ating presidente na magkaroon na ng MGCQ sa buong Pilipinas at mga alkalde sa Metro Manila," said Roque, who is also spokesman of the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19.

"Inaasahan namana natin, dahil meron nang ganitong kasunduan sa panig ng IATF at mga Metro Manila mayors baka naman po sumang-ayon na ang ating presidente," he said.

Should the President not announce his decision on Monday, Roque said he would relay it to the public before the end of the month.