President Rodrigo Duterte has stretched the state of calamity the Philippines is under due to Covid-19 until Sept. 12, 2022.
Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1218 on Friday. It stated that the state of calamity would be extended until Sept. 12, 2022, “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”
“This declaration will, among others, effectively afford the national government as well local government units (LGUs) ample latitude to continue to implement the Covid-19 vaccination program, utilize appropriate funds including the quick response fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19,” Duterte said.
The imposition of a state of calamity will allow the government to monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and provide basic services.
“All government agencies and LGUs (local government units) are enjoined to continue rendering full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of Covid-19,” Duterte said.
Duterte also directed the military and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order in the country amid the pandemic.
The Philippines was initially placed under a state of calamity due to Covid-19 in March 2020. John Ezekiel J. Hirro