President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the validity of the state of calamity for one more year, or until Sept. 12, 2022, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Under Proclamation 1218 inked Friday, Duterte extended the status “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”
Duterte decided to extend the period of state of calamity nationwide following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
His decision also came amid the spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths, despite the government’s efforts to stop the further transmission of the dreaded disease.
Proclamation 1218 stated that the extension will allow the national government, as well as local governments, to continue the implementation of Covid-19 vaccination program, augment pandemic response funds, monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and provide basic services to the affected populations.
The new proclamation enjoins all government agencies and local government units 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.”
All law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are likewise directed to continue undertaking all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.
“Throughout the continued joint efforts of the government, the private sector, and the public, significant strides have been achieved in enhancing and improving the country’s capability to implement measures against the spread of Covid-19,” Proclamation 1218 read.
On March 16, 2020, Duterte issued Proclamation 929, declaring a state of calamity all throughout the country for six months due to Covid-19.
Proclamation 1021 released on Sept. 16, 2020 stretched the state of calamity for another year, or until Sept. 12, 2021.
The Philippines on Friday logged 17,964 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total case count to 2,179,770.
The country also reported 1,969,401 recoveries, 34,899 fatalities, and 175,470 active cases. (Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/PNA)
