SEC. NOGRALES: Mga kababayan, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Pinapaabot din po natin ang ating pagsaludo sa ating mga frontliners sa iba’t ibang larangan na patuloy na nangangalaga sa ating kalusugan at kaligtasan, nawa’y patuloy kayong pagpalain ng ibayong lakas at tibay sa harap ng hamon ng ating panahon ngayon.

The IATF was convened yesterday via video conference to discuss the progress that has been made in government measures that have been instituted to:

1.) Identify and care for those who have contracted COVID-19;

2.) To contain the COVID-19 outbreak;

3.) To manage its impact on our countrymen.

Several issues were discussed and I would like to share the approved recommendations of the IATF as stated in IATF Resolution # 18:

a.) Pursuant to the policy of allowing of the unhampered movement of all cargos – LGUs and local health units are hereby enjoined not to issue orders that run counter to the said directives. Such as, but not limited to: Requiring asymptomatic drivers and crews of cargo or service delivery vehicles to undergo mandatory 14-day home quarantine. For this purpose, Paragraph I, sub-section G, of IATF Resolution # 14, Series of 2020 exempting such vehicles with or without load, with not more than three personnel onboard is reaffirmed provided that strict social distancing measures must be strictly observed which may include, if necessary, the putting up of additional safe and humane seats or space in the vehicles.

Inuulit po ng IATF: Kailangan pong tuluy-tuloy ang daloy ng mga kargamento; exempted po ang mga ito sa ECQ or Enhanced Community Quarantine. Pinapaalala po natin sa mga LGUs at local health units: Hindi po required ang mga drayber at crew ng cargo at delivery truck na mag-14-day quarantine.

b.) In accordance with initial directive of the IATF under Paragraph G of Resolution # 17 Series of 2020, the sub-technical working group, TWG chaired by the Department of Health is hereby directed to finalize the analytical model for deciding on the eventual total or partial lifting or the possible extension or expansion of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon. Its membership shall consist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the Department of Science and Technology, including technical experts, the academe and such other representatives from the health, economic and security sectors as may be determined by the DOH. Provided that recommendations by the sub-TWG shall be subject to the approval, amendment or modification by the IATF.

Nabanggit ko po noong isang araw na may isang TWG na inatasan na aralin kung itutuloy ba o hindi ang Enhanced Community Quarantine. Ang TWG na ito ay pamumunuan ng DOH at iba pang miyembro nito ay ang mga tinitingalang mga eksperto mula sa NEDA, DOST, PIDS, akademya at ibang larangan. Ang rekumendasyon ng TWG ay ang siyang magiging batayan ng desisyon ng ITAF sa usaping ito.

c.) The interim guidelines on the repatriation of overseas Filipinos working in cruise ships as proposed by DOH is hereby approved.

Ang panununtunan sa pagpapauwi ng ating mga OFW na nagtatrabaho sa mga cruise ship ay na-approve na po.

d.) Without prejudice to the subsequent approval/amendment or modification by the IATF, the Bureau of Quarantine is likewise directed to update the existing algorithm for the triage of patients with possible COVID-19 infections in ports of entry which shall apply to land-based Overseas Filipino Workers who may be repatriated through the efforts of the national government.

Ang Bureau of Quarantine po ay inaatasan na i-update ang mga patakaran para sa mga land-based OFW na posibleng may COVID-19 na papasok sa ating mga ports of entry sa tulong ng ating gobyerno. Ganiyan din po sa lahat ng OFW.

e.) A sub-TWG composed of the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Interior and Local Government and the DOH is directed to convene to formulate guidelines to manage and ensure the welfare of repatriated Oversea Filipino Workers.

Isang grupo na binubuo ng DOLE, DOT, DOTr, DFA, DILG at DOH ay inaatasan na ayusin ang mga alintuntunin para tiyakin ang kapakanan ng ating mga OFW ay napapangalagaan.

f.) LGUs are hereby strongly enjoined to allow the unhampered transit of OFWs who have been issued DOH or LGUs certificate of completion of 14-day facility-based quarantine or those who may be required by the DOH or LGUs to undergo a mandatory 14-day home quarantine.

Paalala lamang po sa ating mga LGUs, huwag harangin ang ating mga OFW na nabigyan na po ng DOH o ibang LGU ng sertipikasyon na natapos na nila ang kanilang 14-day facility-based quarantine o ang mga OFW na required mag-mandatory 14-day home quarantine.

g.) The New Clark City Athlete’s Village shall continue to be designated as a temporary quarantine facility.

Ang New Clark City Athlete’s Village ay patuloy pa rin gagamitin bilang temporary quarantine facility.

h.) Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 11469, providing for a minimum of 30-day grace period on residential rents. A 30-day grace period is likewise hereby extended to commercial rents falling due upon micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs within the period of the ECQ without incurring interests, penalties, fees and other charges. The Department of Trade and Industry is hereby authorized to issue the necessary guidelines to implement this directive.

Ito po ay magandang balita para sa mga maliliit na negosyo, tulad ng residential units, may 30-day grace period po para sa pagbayad ng upa sa commercial spaces na ginagamit ng mga maliliit na negosyo or MSMEs.

i.) Supermarkets, public and private wet markets, grocery stores, agri-fisheries supply stores, pharmacies, drug stores and other retail establishments engaged in the business of selling basic necessities are strongly encouraged to extend their store operations for a maximum of 12 hours. LGUs are directed to allow such establishments to operate pursuant to the foregoing, provided that in the operation of wet markets, LGUs are encouraged to adopt reasonable schemes to ensure compliance with strict social distancing measures, such as but not limited to, providing for specific daily schedule per sector, per barangay or per purok as the case maybe.

Ang mga supermarket, palengke, grocery, botika at iba pa ay hinihikayat na i-extend ang kanilang operating hours para umabot po ito ng 12 hours. Pagdating po sa mga palengke ay hinihikayat po namin ang mga LGUs na magpatupad ng mga nararapat na patakaran upang ipatupad ang social distancing, tulad ng pagtatakda ng araw para sa bawat sector, purok o barangay sa pamimili.

j.) For areas under ECQ, the IATF hereby adopts the policy of mandatory wearing by all residents of face masks: Ear loop masks, indigenous, reusable or do it yourself masks, face shields, handkerchiefs or such other protective equipment that can effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19 whenever allowed to go out of their residences pursuant to existing guidelines issued by the national government. Concerned LGUs are hereby enjoined to issue the necessary Executive Order or Ordinance to that effect and imposed such penalties as maybe appropriate.

Sa mga lugar kung saan pinapatupad ang ECQ, lahat po ng ating mga kababayan na lalabas sa kanilang tahanan para mamili ay required na po gumamit ng face mask, panyo or face shields o kung anumang kagamitan na makakatulong sa pagpigil ng pagkalat ng COVID-19 virus. Uulitin ko po, kung kailangan po nating lumabas ng bahay, kailangan po mag-mask, kahit improvised po ito o panyo, basta may pantakip ng bibig at ilong.

k.) The emergency subsidy program as recommended by the IATF-TWG on social amelioration headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD is hereby approved. Such program shall provide outright cash benefits for an estimated 18 million beneficiary household ranging from 5,000 pesos to 8,000 pesos based on regional thresholds as promulgated by the DSWD, DOLE, DILG, Department of Trade and Industry, Department Agriculture, Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Finance through Joint Memorandum Circular Number 1, series of 2020.

Nabanggit po ito ni Pangulo noong Lunes at inulit po niya kahapon: Aprubado na po ang cash assistance na ang ibigay sa 18 million beneficiaries nationwide. Ang halaga po nito ay 5,000 hanggang 8,000 depende po sa minimum wage ng inyong rehiyon. Ulitin ko lang lang ang sinabi ni Pangulong Duterte kagabi, “Ang mga tulong na ito ay ibigay ng DSWD diretso po sa inyo. Tutulong po ang ating mga LGU, pero ang DSWD ang magmamando sa pagbibigay ng cash assistance na ito.”

Pursuant to the directive of the President to ensure that all financial assistance provided by the national government to go directly to its beneficiaries, the DSWD will exercise full control and supervision over the distribution of the distribution of emergency subsidy program funds. This will ensure that only targeted beneficiary families will receive the government subsidies. The role of local government units will be limited to assisting in the distribution of the subsidies with LGU personnel, managed by the DILG with the assistance of the AFP and the PNP. Gagawin po ng gobyerno na agarang mai-paabot ang tulong sa inyo.

l.) The implementation plan of the National Task Force COVID-19 Task group on Resource Management and Logistics as presented and revised is hereby approved. Said task group is directed to include the Department of Public Works and Highways. The Philippine International Trading Corporation or PITC, the Procurement Service of the DBM, the Government Procurement Policy Board, the National Food Authority and the Anti-Red Tape Authority in each membership, as well as in such sub-task group as may be appropriate.

Aprubado na po ang implementation plan ng National Task Force COVID-19 Task Group on Research Management and Logistics. Pinapasama po dito ang DPWH, PITC, DBM, GPPB, NFA at ARTA.

Before ending, I would like to provide some updates regarding some matters I shared the other day. With regard to the conversion of the Philippine International Convention Center, World Trade Center and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex into fully functional quarantine facilities, we would like to report that the PICC will be ready by April 10. The facilities are being prepared by the DPWH and EEI Corporation, and when completed, this will have 700 beds.

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex being readied by Prime BMD or Razon group will be ready by April 10 as well, and will be able to house 600 beds.

The World Trade Center on the other hand will be ready by April 12. It is being set up by ICCP and Ayala or Makati Development Corporation and it will have 650 beds. Together, these three structures can accommodate a total of 1,950 individuals. Salamat po sa ating mga private sector partners sa tulong at pagmamalasakit po ninyo.

Iyong sinasabi naming deadline – April 10 at April 12 – iyan ang para sa full completion ng mga facilities na iyan, pero magkakaroon din po tayo ng mga partial completion. And as soon as partial completions are done, maaari na po nating gamitin iyong partially, iyong mga sections na natapos na.

In addition, I would like to also to announce na mayroon pa tayong mga karagdagang mga facilities na na-identify na po na gagamitin natin, that we have identified as possible quarantine and isolation facilities. Ang iba po dito ay inumpisanhan na:

1. Quezon Institute
2. Ultra
3. Duty Free Philippine-Paranaque
4. Amoranto Stadium
5. Quezon Memorial Circle Complex
6. Veterans Medical Center Complex; at marami pa pong iba.

Mga kababayan as of last night, 2, 311 Filipinos in the country have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19; 96 lives have already been claimed by this disease; 50 individuals have been able to recover, while many are continuing to battle the disease.

Our prayers are with all of them and their families, as well as the brave, generous health workers who are literally risking their lives to care for the sick.

By now, all of us are aware of the gravity of the threat before us; hindi po ordinaryong sakit ang COVID-19. Kaya naman po ginagawa po lahat ng gobyerno para pigilan ang pagkalat ng virus na ito. Decisive action has been taken to ensure that millions stay home in order to contain this outbreak and government has marshaled all its resources to ensure that every Filipino family is taken care of during this very, very trying period.

Malinaw po ang mga layunin natin: Alagaan natin ang mga may COVID-19, pigilan ang pagkalat ng virus na ito at siguraduhin na matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Sa tulong po ninyo, magagawa natin ang lahat ng ito. Sama-sama, magtatagumpay po tayo. Together, we can beat COVID-19; together, we heal as one. Tandaan po natin: Bahay muna, buhay muna. Maraming salamat po and may God bless and protect each and every one of us.

Babasahin ko na po iyong mga katanungan po ninyo na pinadala po dito sa akin. Isa-isahin po natin at umpisahan natin mula kay Henry Uri ng DZRH: “Is the IATF considering a mandatory face masks, even ordinary cloth masks for all individuals outside the home to restrict transmission from asymptomatic COVID-19 patients especially after the ECQ period?”

So gaya ng sinabi ko, iyong napag-usapan namin sa IATF ay “yes” mandatory wearing of face masks or any cover na makatakip po sa inyong bibig at ilong; kahit handkerchief po or do-it-your own masks, anything na maka-protect sa inyong ilong at bibig during the ECQ period.

Ngayon ang katanungan is: Paano iyong after? Siguro isasabay na namin ang lahat ng iyan ‘pag nag-announce na kami ng new normal at na-approve na po ito ng IATF.

From Ace Romero, PhilStar: “What did the President mean when he said he would strip politicians of the responsibility of distributing food and cash assistance to low income households affected by COVID-19? Does this mean LGUs will no longer have a role in the distribution?”

Well, unang-una sa lahat, i-divide po natin ha, iyong LGUs mayroon po silang sarili nilang quick response fund at iyon po iyong pinaggamitan ng pondo noong itong mga nakalipas na dalawang linggo doon sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan at iyong mga constituents po nila sa kani-kanilang mga lokalidad. So primarily, mga food assistance packs po iyong pinamahagi ng ating mga LGU. Wala po tayong problema diyan kasi iyan po ay quick response fund ng LGUs. Puwede at maari po nilang ipagpatuloy po iyan, iyong pamamahagi ng kanilang food assistance mula sa kanilang quick response fund. Okay.

Itong sinasabi ni Pangulong Duterte, ito naman po iyong mula sa ating Social Amelioration Program gamit iyong pondo ng national government under the Bayanihan Act. Ang ibig lang pong sabihin ni Pangulong Duterte dito ay ang magmamando po ng distribution na ito ay ang ating DSWD at mga national government agencies. Ang ibig lang pong sabihin ni Pangulong Duterte dito, hindi po niya pababayaan na mahaluan po ito ng politika at hindi po niya pababayaan na papasok ang political patronage o pamimili ng sino ang malalakas sa mga pulitiko dito. Gusto niya lahat po ng mga beneficiaries na kuwalipikado ay makatanggap ng tulong-pinansiyal mula sa national government.

Ngayon since DSWD po at ang national government agencies ang magmamando nito, gagamitin po natin ang existing platform ng DSWD dahil mayroon na po silang listahan ng mga dati na nilang mga beneficiaries. So kung ano po iyong plataporma or platform or pamamaraan or procedure na ginagamit or ginagawa ng DSWD noon ay ipagpapatuloy niya iyan para makarating sa kaniyang mga beneficiaries ‘no. Pero maaari rin pong i-deputize ng DSWD at ng national government agencies ang mga LGUs para tumulong po dito sa pag-distribute at pagpapaabot po natin ng financial assistance doon sa ating mga targeted beneficiary-families. Deputization po ang tawag diyan, pero ang DSWD together with the AFP, together with the PNP at iba pang mga government agencies ay magbabantay, magmamando at siyempre lahat ito is subject to strict and quick and fast liquidation reports ng LGUs ‘pag sila po ay na-deputize na po ng national government.

Number two: “The President said he received numerous complaints including unscrupulous individuals taking a cut from donations. How serious and how widespread is this practice? What will be done to these individuals?”

Obviously, we will enforce the full power and strength of the law against those who do abusive acts ‘no, even pagdating sa mga donasyon na siyempre galit si Pangulo kung iyong mga donasyon na iyan ay pakikialaman pa at nakawan pa. Iyong mga donasyon na iyan ay para sa ating mga kababayan. Huwag ninyo pong pakialaman iyan. Ibigay po iyan sa mga nararapat na mga benepisyaryo. Huwag ninyo na pong abusuhin iyan.

From Catherine Valente, Manila Times: “Can we ask if it is possible for the government to designate one hospital sa Metro Manila and other regions for non-COVID patients? Iyong mga may sakit kasi natatakot pumunta sa mga ospital baka mahawa sila. Maybe there should also be a dedicated hospital for other diseases. Thank you.”

Okay, ang ginagawa po natin ay nagde-designate po tayo ng mga COVID-19 hospitals ‘no. Unti-unti, ang gusto nating mangyari, iyong mga panibago pong mga kaso ng COVID-19 ay doon na po natin ididiretso sa COVID-19 designated hospitals. So habang ginagawa po natin iyan, hindi naman natin puwedeng ilipat iyong mga na-COVID-19 na kasalukuyan na nandoon na po sa mga hospital ngayon.

Pero ang gusto po nating makita is habang nati-treat na po at gumagaling iyong mga COVID-19 patients po natin sa iba’t ibang mga hospital ay madi-discharge na po sila unti-unti. At habang nadi-discharge po sila, magpi-free up na po iyong mga hospital beds at hospital rooms doon para maka-accept na po sila – ang mga hospital – ng mga panibagong pasyente ‘no. So habang nadi-decongest na po ng COVID-19 patients iyong mga ibang hospital, iyong lahat ng mga COVID-19 patients na rin naman po ay nadi-direct natin sa COVID-19 designated hospitals ay unti-unting magpi-free up na po iyong mga ibang hospital ng COVID-19 patients. So, ganoon po iyong pag-manage natin nito.

From Rose Novenario of Hataw: “Good AM po. Since DSWD na ang inatasan ni PRRD na mamahagi ng relief goods at financial assistance, puwede pa rin ba kumilos ang LGUs para ipamigay ang natanggap nilang donasyon mula sa pribadong sektor?”

Opo, puwede po. At gaya ng sinabi ko, kahit iyong mga quick response funds nila ay magagamit po nila.

“Ano po ang reaksiyon ng government o opinyon ng ilang mambabatas at netizens ng summons na natanggap ni Mayor Vico Sotto mula sa NBI ay harassment? Kinikilala ba ng IATF ang magandang performance ni Mayor Vico Sotto na tinutularan ng ilang local officials? Maraming salamat po.”

Alam ninyo, lahat naman ng mga LGUs na tumutulong sa ating mga kababayan ay pinapasalamatan po namin. Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng mga LGUs na alam namin ay nagsasakripisyo at talagang nagtatrabaho para po maibigay ang nararapat sa kanilang mga constituents; para maproteksyunan ang kanilang mga constituents; para matulungan iyong mga nag-COVID-19 na patients at para sugpuin itong virus na ito. So, kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa kooperasyon at tulong ng lahat ng mga LGUs.

Iyong tungkol dito sa Pasig City ay pagpasensiyahan ninyo na lang po. Wala po akong firsthand knowledge or information doon po sa NBI or sa nangyari po dito kaya siguro ang NBI na lang po ang tanungin natin at wala po ako talagang firsthand information tungkol po diyan.

From Tina Mendez of Philippine Star:

1. President Duterte has ordered last night the police to shoot dead members of a left-leaning group for instigating a rally over lack of relief goods in QC. How far will the President go to ensure that peace and order and stability are maintained during the state of calamity; if lawlessness continues, is Martial Law an option? What is the IATF’s view on the matter? Did the IATF discuss the Kadamay issue?

The IATF did not discuss the Kadamay issue per se, but the President talked about this with his security cluster.

Ngayon, ‘Is Martial Law an option?’ Hindi natin pinag-uusapan ang Martial Law – so, hindi iyan pinag-uusapan ngayon.

‘How far will the President go to ensure peace and order?’ – Obviously, in a state of calamity, there has to be order. There has to be order kaya importante para kay Pangulong Duterte that to maintain order especially in this time of crisis and in this time and in this state of calamity. Iyon lang naman ang point ni Pangulo diyan. Hindi puwede at hindi po papayag ang gobyerno na may manggugulo po at magti-take advantage sa situation po na ito habang nangangamba ang buhay at kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan ay guguluhin pa ang sitwasyong ito. So, napaka-importante po para kay Pangulong Duterte to keep the peace and order especially in this time. So, iyon po ang sagot natin diyan.

2. In a bleak report released Monday, the World Bank said the pandemic will inflict significant economic pain on all countries and could throw millions in the Asia-Pacific Region into poverty. How does the economic team view this in relation to the Philippine setting; what are their proposed solutions?

So, first things first, kailangan po natin ma-contain itong virus na ito, we have to manage it and ensure na mama-manage po natin ito, hindi po kakalat iyong ating mga COVID-19 patients ay kailangang gumaling; iyong infected ng COVID-19 ay kailangan nating ma-isolate; kailangang mag-recover po ang COVID-19 patients natin; kailangan natin i-identify at i-isolate iyong mga PUIs and PUMs natin para sa ganoon we can go in transition to the new normal.

Kapag sinasabi po nating new normal ibig pong sabihin, kailangan magkaroon na po tayo ng economic activity. But when we transition to that – ng economic activity, kasama na diyan ang pagtatrabaho at pagsusweldo ng ating mga kababayan, importante lagyan po natin ng mga patakaran; lagyan natin ng policies; guidelines at rules and regulations iyong movement po ng lahat at ang proteksiyon ng lahat. Iyan po ang tinatawag nating new normal kasi, gaya po nang sinabi ko kahapon, kung wala pa po tayong vaccine ay maaaring nandiyan pa rin iyong threat ng virus at maaaring kumalat pa siya at maaaring sumipa ulit iyong numero ng infected.

So, we have to device a way na kung saan we can get back to our ordinary lives, iyong pagtatrabaho, iyong ating normal economic activity para magkaroon ng—para matulungan ang ating ekonomiya pero kailangan may mga protective measures tayong gagawin.

So, yes… obviously, it’s a worldwide problem but tayo as a nation, we are resilient. We’ve been through a lot of challenges before at lagi pong pagkatapos ng mga challenges na ito ay nakakatayo ang Pilipino. So, it is in that where we place our hope, iyong the Filipino spirit, the resilient Filipino spirit. Kaya tayo po ay gagawa ng lahat ng mga hakbang na puwede nating gawin para po hindi tayo magkaroon ng recession dito sa bansang Pilipinas.

3. Can you please explain further President Duterte’s statement that the DSWD and General Galvez will now take the lead roles in the distribution of relief goods and amelioration for low income earners during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period?

So, gaya ng sinabi ko po, ang mangyayari dito, DSWD – Secretary Bautista, Secretary Galvez at lahat ng mga government agencies – will have a… like a combination of… iyong sa distribution, iko-combine po natin. Number one is kung may plataporma na po at procedure na po ang DSWD at DOLE at iba pang government agencies na that have been working already doon sa pag-distribute ng cash assistance na ginagawa natin noon pa, gagamitin po natin iyong platform na iyon.

Iyong mga hindi kasama diyan na mga beneficiaries ay maaari pong i-deputize namin ang mga LGUs para tulungan tayo sa distribution ng cash assistance pero under the strict supervision ni Secretary Galvez, Secretary Bautista, lahat ng iba’t ibang mga Cabinet Secretaries, Philippine National Police at pati na rin po iyong AFP.

From PIA Gutierrez, ABS-CBN:

1. What will now be the role of the LGU, now that the President delegated solely to the DSWD the distribution of food and financial subsidies?

Gaya ng sinabi ko, kung mayroon po silang quick response fund, mayroon po silang pondo, mayroon po silang donation, they can go ahead with that. Over and above that, kapag sila po ay dine-deputize ng DSWD at ng national government agencies, they must comply with the deputization with strict guidelines on the quick and immediate liquidation nang kung paano nila na-distribute iyong funds.

2. President Duterte noted in the speech that he has received complaints against some politicians over the distribution of aid—

Totoo po iyon.

Ano ang magiging aksiyon ng IATF about these complaints? Will these politicians be held liable under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act?

Ayaw kong pangunahan pero, yes, ang option na iyan ay nandiyan pa po. Kung mayroon talagang grievous and grave violation, then we will apply iyong Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. But siyempre, iyong DILG nandoon din naman nakabantay at nakikipag-ugnayan naman with LGUs! So, if it’s just a matter of miscommunication or misapplication or things like that doon sa guidelines na ini-impose ng national government ay madali namang pakiusapan, puwede naman kausapin and the DILG has been doing that.

So, we reach out, kinakausap ang LGUs, sinasabi na sumusobra kayo dito or sumusobra na tayo diyan or kulang kayo dito or kulang kayo diyan, then the LGU will adjust and they have been adjusting and they have been cooperating. Reserved lang naman iyong power to file cases and prosecute. That’s only in the grievous and grave instances. But yes, may mga nakakaabot na kay Pangulo doon sa mga abusive, hindi ba.

3. Can the government retroactively apply the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act to make LGU officials liable for supposed violations of its provisions even before the enactment of the said law?

May I refer the question to DOJ Secretary Guevarra because that is within his turf and jurisdiction already.

From Tuesday Niu, DZBB: Ask po ng mga gustong mag-donate kung puwede bang i-waive na lang ang tax o huwag na silang pagbabayarin pa ng tax?

Let’s refer the question to the DOF, but ako ang take ko diyan, anything that will help us solicit more donations and anything that can entice donors to donate more, then I am for it.

From Aileen Taliping, Abante: “Good AM. Question: Halos nasa third week na ang buong Luzon ng ECQ pero hanggang ngayon ay bakante pa rin ang shelves ng supermarkets at grocery stores ng alcohol. Mayroon bang ginagawa ang DTI dito? Kasi sabi ni Secretary Lopez, hindi naman kapos ang supply nito.”

Actually, sa IATF paulit-ulit na naming pinag-uusapan ito at paulit-ulit naman naming nire-remind ang lahat na all cargo must flow freely, unhampered, unimpeded, all cargo. So ina-address namin lahat ‘no ng nasa supply chain especially pagdating sa food, pagdating sa essential goods, pagdating sa medicines.

So iba-iba iyong nagiging problema ‘no, but we’ve been addressing each and every problem as it comes. Kung ang problema ay LGU dahil gumagawa ng checkpoint, ina-address agad namin. Kung nagkakaroon ng problema/aberya dahil nagtse-checkpoint na rin iyong barangay, ina-address namin. Kung may problema sa PPA at sa Customs, ina-address namin. And paulit-ulit po naming sinasabi na dapat unhampered po lahat iyan.

Ngayon mayroon namang lumalabas na ano—kaya nga binasa natin iyong IATF resolution kasi lumalabas na naman daw po ay iyong mga driver ng mga kargamento ay ganoon din, hindi nakakadiretso mula sa mga checkpoints kasi marami pang mga requirements na hinihingi sa driver. So ngayon, nag-issue na naman tayo ng IATF resolution. So as each and every challenge comes or bottleneck, ina-address naman po natin. So iyon, siguro iyon ‘yung sagot ko. Sorry, nawala ako.

From Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News Online: “Why is the President giving shoot-to-kill orders for the left and troublemakers during a public health crisis? What happened with the unilateral ceasefire with the NPA?”

Siguro ang sagot natin sa tanong na iyan, yes may ceasefire, pero siyempre kung may mag-create ng chaos at gulo, then that’s when our peacekeepers, our law enforcers have to come in ‘di po ba? So iyon, eh alam naman ng mga policemen natin at our AFP kung ano iyong protocols pagdating po doon sa peacekeeping and law enforcement.

“Is COVID-19 a public health issue or more of a peace and order problem from the point of view of the government? Why?”

Well right now, it’s a public health issue. Pero ‘pag pinasukan po ito ng mga nanggugulo at nagti-take advantage ng situation na ito, then it becomes also a peace and order issue. It was not a peace and order issue until may pumasok at nagti-take advantage at nanggugulo nga. So ngayon pa lang ang sinasabi ni Pangulo, it’s already a public health issue, hahaluan mo pa ng peace and order, magkakaproblema tayo. So let it just remain to be a public health issue and concern which we are currently managing. Don’t let it be a peace and order problem.

Number three: “May mga Pilipino pong nababahala sa mga pahayag ng Pangulo kagabi. Can the public still trust that they will be safe from harm from authorities during this lockdown?”

The government will follow the law. Government will follow what is legal. Government will follow what is right and we ask for the cooperation of everyone.

From Rosalie Coz, UNTV: “Hinggil po sa mga pinasalamatan ni Pangulong Duterte particularly big business leaders and organizations dahil sa tulong nila sa pagre-respond ng pamahalaan sa COVID-19 situation. Magkano po ang donations nila in total? Saan po particular gagamitin ang mga donasyong ito?”

We provide a report to Congress every Monday, so kasama na po doon sa report to Congress ang lahat ng mga details na ito. So siguro by Tuesday, I will be able to—mare-report na po namin sa public iyong particulars ‘no ng mga details na ito.

From Joseph Morong, GMA7: “Number one: What exactly did the President mean when he said ‘Tinanggal ko na ang politiko sa distribution ng aid and he left it to DSWD and Gen. Galvez?”

Nasagot ko na po, but siguro to put it simply: Hindi po papayag si Pangulo na haluan po ito ng pulitika, gamitan ito ng patronage politics at hindi siya papayag na may palakasan dito sa mga politiko na mangyayari.

Number two: “Did Gen. Galvez present a sequential plan or the massive force quarantine to the IATF?”

Slowly, yes. Lahat ng mga plano naman ni Gen. Galvez ay nare-report sa IATF. Iyong sa sequential plan, gaya ng sinabi ko kahapon, unahin muna natin ‘no iyong mga COVID positive, then from thereon we move on to the PUIs then PUMs.

“What was the decision of the IATF?”

So we—whenever he reports, we take note of it and then we give our recommendations also.

“If we force quarantine people, for how long? Fourteen days? What happens to the lockdown during the period? Do we lift, because obviously from today, lalampas na sa April 12 or even April 14 na schedule lifting?”

So kung ma-appreciate po ninyo, ang ginagawa po natin, we are trying to isolate ‘no. Isolate natin, hiwalay po natin sa population iyong mga PUIs, PUMs, mga positive sa COVID-19 para ma-identify na po natin iyong mga negative communities ‘no. Then after ma-determine na natin saan ang walang local transmission ng COVID-19, then unti-unti, they can go to the new normal.

“DTI says phase-lifting ang gagawin, tama? What’s the decision of the IATF?”

Like I said, lahat po iyan ay pinag-uusapan at iyong pag-define ng new normal at ang pag-define ng parameters ng pag-lift, we leave it to the Technical Working Group, pag-define ng mga iyan, the two technical working groups and then we will make the announcements as soon as they get approved.

“How should local authorities down to the barangay tanod interpret the President’s shoot-to-kill order when there is public disorder?”

Alam naman ng ating mga law enforcement agencies and enforcers ‘no what to do and what not to do. May protocols and procedures po tayo diyan, may rules of engagement po.

Lilipat lang po tayo sa RTVM FB page. PTV will now continue with its regular broadcast. Maraming salamat po to PTV.

Number five: “Your comment on NBI’s summons to Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto. What exactly in the Bayanihan Act did he violate?”

Like I said, ayaw ko po pangunahan iyong NBI sa ginagawa po nilang pagtatanong and so, I will leave it up to the NBI.

From Julie Aurelio, Inquirer: “Does the NBI’s decision to investigate Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for allegedly violating the Bayanihan Act have the imprimatur of the Palace? Senate President Tito Sotto, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and former Supreme Court Spokesperson Teodoro Te are among the many personalities who pointed out that the Bayanihan Act is not retroactive. Does the Palace agree with these opinions?”

Actually, while Palace has no comment on this, it’s the NBI… so maybe NBI should be the one answering the questions if it should, but because it’s a questioning of some sorts, then sa NBI na po.

“Is it not time for the Palace or the government to investigate underperforming LGU officials who are behind in providing aid and relief to their constituents or those whose COVID-19 cases are rising fast? Why is the government quick to investigate Pasig Mayor for actions that are meant as temporary solutions but not call out local officials whose response to the problem were deemed insufficient by their constituents?”

Mayroon na pong pakikipag-ugnayan, and the DILG has been working really hard to call the attention of LGU officials who are remiss or have overstepped their boundaries. So, tuluy-tuloy po iyon na ginagawa ng DILG. Kung mayroon pa pong mai-investigate, I really don’t know.

From Tuesday Niu/DZBB: “In a matter of days magkakaroon na ng massive forced quarantine or isolation of PUIs in World Trade Center, Rizal Memorial Stadium, PICC, and other large facilities or areas but ngayon pa lang, nagkukulang na ng mga doktor, nurse at iba pang health workers ang mga ospital. So paano pa tatauhan ng panibagong set of doctors, nurse and other health workers ang mga facility na ito? Saan kukuha ng manpower?”

Kasama po ito sa mga pinag-uusapan sa Task Group on Resource Management and Logistics, manpower, and we will make sure that we get as much as many health workers as we can para doon sa lahat ng mga health facilities natin including those isolation and quarantine facilities. So, yes, kasama po iyan sa pag-assess natin at ang pagbibilang po natin ng ating mga health workers and our current manpower.

Okay. Last from Darryl Esguerra: “Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian earlier said that China will send a team of medical experts to the Philippines to help us fight COVID-19. Any update from the Chinese government kung kailan po sila darating? Ano po ang guidelines ng IATF dito? Will they undergo 14-day quarantine upon arrival?”

Mayroon po tayong mga set of protocols for those coming in. And with regard this question, I will refer this to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

So, that’s all the questions that we have today.

Siguro, parting words ko lang po is that, it’s already now a public health concern, it’s a public health problem and issue. Let’s not complicate things by making it a peace and order problem. It’s already hard and difficult already as it is. Huwag na po natin itong haluan ng iba pang isyu or concern. Let’s focus on one enemy which is COVID-19, itong virus na ito. Everything else, please stop it, ito muna tayo okay? And there has to be order and we ask for the cooperation and help of everyone. Ang pagmamalasakit ninyo po para sa ating taumbayan, ang pagmamalasakit po sa bawat Filipino ang kinakailangan ngayong panahon na ito.

So again, maraming, maraming salamat po. And my special and heartfelt thanks go to all of our health workers and everybody in the frontlines. So everyone, please keep safe; stay safe. Stay at home. Bahay muna, buhay muna. Magtulungan po tayong lahat dito and I ask and beg for everybody’s cooperation, help and prayers.

Maraming, maraming salamat po! God bless and protect you. Daghang salamat!

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Source: PCOO-NIB (News and Information Bureau-Data Processing Center)