Metro Mayors favor shift to GCQ with limited public transportation

Metro Manila mayors unanimously agreed to proceed with the transition to general community quarantine (GCQ) in the metropolis beginning June 1.

The mayors met on Tuesday evening and discussed their recommendations with the IATF and the MMDA. 

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia said the mayors will ask the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow Metro Manila to shift from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to GCQ.

Garcia also said the mayors gave consideration to the economy's revival while keeping in mind the health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the mayors are also asking the IATF for authority to impose localized community quarantine, wherein they will lock down specific barangays or areas with high cases of COVID-19.

He also clarified that public utility buses and jeepneys will still not be allowed to operate under the GCQ in Metro Manila. The number coding scheme will also remain in effect.

“Huwag muna payagan yung mga buses and jeepneys kasi mahirap ma control and physical distancing diyan (Buses and jeepneys are not yet allowed because it’s hard to control them and do physical distancing in them) … we still need to minimize the movement of the people. We need to limit the movement of the possible carrier,” Garcia said.

Medical frontliners will be exempted from the number coding scheme provided that at least one passenger accompanies them in the vehicle.  

Garcia said transport network vehicles (TNVs), taxis and point-to-point buses will be the only allowed public transportation in Metro Manila as authorities can easily monitor the number of passengers in these vehicles.