Governor Ramil Hernandez Asks IATF Why Laguna Remains Under ECQ

Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez is asking the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to explain why the province is not included in areas to be placed under the general quarantine community (GQC).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announces early today, May 12, that Laguna, along with Cebu City and Metro Manila, will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting May 16 until May 31, under the IATF Resolution No 35. which was signed Monday, May 11.

Laguna is the only province in Region IV-A that will not be placed under GCQ.  

Governor Hernandez says that while he respects the decision of IATF, he wants to know the basis of its decision.

"Kung ang parameter na pinagbasehan, yung may pinakamaraming positive cases or confirmed cases, obviously hindi Laguna yun.

"Gusto ko lang malaman ang naging basehan nila doon sa kanilang naging desisyon, although siyempre inirerespeto natin ang IATF." 

As of May 11, 5 P.M., Laguna has a total of 338 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 137 remain active, 170 have recovered, and 30 have died. 

Rizal has the most number of COVID-19 cases in Region IV-A, which also includes Cavite, Batangas, and Quezon Province. According to Rizal's official Facebook page, the province has 390 confirmed cases as of May 11, 10 P.M. The total number of active cases is at 196. Meanwhile, 134 patients have recovered and 30 have passed away.

Meanwhile, Calamba City Mayor Justin Chipeco says that they are now preparing for the opening of manufacturing and processing plants in the city.

Under MECQ, movement is limited to getting essential goods, services, and going to work. Transportation will also be limited for those going to work and for essential services.

Aside from these, manufacturing and processing plants will also be allowed up to operate up to a maximum of 50 percent capacity. 

He said, "Basta ang usapan namin na in case something happens, they have to report it to us so that we can manage it and also to see kung anong gagawin nila. Kasi non-compliance to the reporting can result to their closure."