(Eagle News) – Malacanang reminded local government officials that all types of cargo – food and non-food – should be allowed to pass “unhampered” in all local government units nationwide “to avert any threat of shortage.”
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced this after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases reaffirmed its earlier resolution on the “policy on the unhampered flow of cargoes.” This was after the IATF meeting that revised certain resolutions regarding quarantine measures on the coronavirus situation in the country on Sunday, March 22.
“To avert any threat of shortage of basic food, essential hygienic products and medical products, the IATF reaffirms its earlier resolution to ensure the unimpeded movement of all types of cargo (food and non-food), and allow the passage of personnel of business establishments permitted to operate during the Enhanced Community Quarantine, subject to the presentation of proof of employment, and residence,” Nograles said reading a statement.
He said that the “policy on the unhampered flow of cargoes is a nationwide policy that must be strictly followed in all LGUs nationwide.”
This is in accordance with the earlier directive of President Rodrigo Duterte who warned erring LGU officials that they would face administrative and criminal charges if they continue to bar the entry of trucks and other vehicles carrying cargo in their areas.
“I want to tell you: Do not make this quarantine or quarantine more difficult for our people than it already is. LGUs should take note of this — that at this time let us make ourselves clear that we are not a separate from a republic or from each other,” President Duterte warned LGU officials on March 19.
“Let me be clear to everyone. So when the IATF says: ‘Do not restrict the flow of cargo of whatever type’, then no LGU should say that they only follow or allow food or essential goods to come in. You are setting already your standards, and making this quarantine more difficult for all.”
“I am ordering all LGUs that are doing this to stand down, and to abide by the directives of the IATF, the task force not mine but the task force, and those issued by the Office of the President,” the President earlier said.
(Eagle News Service)
