By John Ezekiel J. Hirro
Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that lugaw or rice porridge is an “essential good” and its delivery should not be prohibited amid enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Palace spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after a viral video of a GrabFood delivery of lugaw being blocked at a barangay in Bulacan made the rounds on social media.
Ang tatanga. Promise. Sobrang ang tatanga talaga. Wala bang orientation ang mga ito?
(Video courtesy: Marvin Ignacio FB) pic.twitter.com/C5YX2DWmWV
— Ryan ✊???????????? (@rryyyaaaannnn) March 31, 2021
“Lugaw, or any food item for that matter, is considered an essential good,” Roque said in a message to reporters.
“Delivery of food items must remain unhampered 24/7. Huwag natin harangin sa checkpoints,” he added.
Employees of food delivery companies are among persons authorized by the government to be outside their residences even amid the lockdowns.
Also under the pandemic task force’s guidelines, limited takeout and delivery of “food preparation establishments such as commissaries, restaurants and eateries” are allowed.
After the incident, Grab Food offered free delivery with the promo code, LUGAWISESSENTIAL.