Private contractors want to get ‘Build, Build, Build’ back on track
Big contractors are raring to begin work on major infrastructure projects to help bring the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program back on track.
Major public and private construction projects from railways to elevated roads have stalled since the Duterte administration imposed strict quarantine measures last March amid the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Some of those restrictions have been rolled back with proper safety protocols in place, allowing some construction activities to continue.
EEI Corp. CEO Roberto Jose L. Castillo told the Inquirer they have resumed work on the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 just before the weekend.
Controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., the MRT-7 is a 23-kilometer railway line that will link San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and North Ave. in Quezon and cut the usual two-hour travel time by car to about 30 minutes.
“The rail authorities got permission from the IATF to restart work on all rail projects in Metro Manila,” Castillo said, referring to the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force.
Castillo said they have adequate safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE).
“We had the opportunity to train many of our people in observing safety protocols and wearing of the additional PPEs when we worked on the conversion of some the PICC Forum tent, Rizal Memorial Stadium,” he said.
Megawide Construction Corp.,the builder of the Mactan Cebu International Aiport and the new passenger terminal in Clark International Airport, said they were preparing to restart business.
“We’re ready with new health and safety standards,” Megawide CEO Edgar Saavedra said in a text message.
The IATF on April 29 issued Resolution No. 30 that outlined which construction projects may resume.
For areas under the less strict general enhanced community quarantine, essential public and private construction projects will be allowed. These include water sewerage, health facilities and other “priority projects.”
Areas under enhanced community quarantine, which was extended in places such as Metro Manila and Central Luzon until May 15, are still subject to strict guidelines. Priority projects are health facilities, disaster-risk and rehabilitation activities.
In a virtual briefing on Friday, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the government would continue its “Build, Build, Build” projects despite the COVID-19 crisis.
These include the 35-km Metro Manila Subway from Quezon City to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 rehabilitation project. The Department of Transportation also imposed safety requirements such as on-site accommodation for workers and point-to-point shuttle services.
Over the weekend, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar also announced the partial resumption of the “Build, Build, Build” program. He said only workers aged 21 to 59 years old without preexisting health conditions would be included in the workforce
https://business.inquirer.net/296380/work-on-infra-projects-resumes
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
LRMC resumes limited works on LRT-1 Cavite Extension
LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has resumed works on the 11.7 kilometre Cavite Extension Project after receiving the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the Enhanced Community Quarantine is still in place.
The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07, 2020 (7AM) until May 22, 2020 (11:59PM). As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period. This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program last March 17.
Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project—which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite.
IATF-compliant operations
As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, LRMC has complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace. LRMC has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:
LRT-1 ready for better service
Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1. Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.
For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.
https://wheels.ph/lrmc-resumes-limited-works-on-lrt-1-cavite-extension/
The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07, 2020 (7AM) until May 22, 2020 (11:59PM). As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period. This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program last March 17.
Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project—which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite.
IATF-compliant operations
As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, LRMC has complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace. LRMC has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:
- Reducing operations to a skeletal workforce
- Providing accommodations and point-to-point shuttle services for workers
- Regular disinfection of all workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations
- Regular monitoring of personnel health and COVID-19 symptoms
- Imposition of physical distancing and proper hygiene
LRT-1 ready for better service
Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1. Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.
For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.
https://wheels.ph/lrmc-resumes-limited-works-on-lrt-1-cavite-extension/
Monday, May 4, 2020
Meralco cuts 2020 network capital expenditure to P9.34B
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has reduced its network capital expenditure (capex) to P9.34 billion this year, from P17.84 billion, as various projects were stalled by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“Because of the ECQ, the design, engineering, and construction, and even procurement of our capex project have been delayed that we had to recast our budget from P17.84 billion to P9.34 billion. This is only for the network side,” said Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Ronnie Aperocho.
The ECQ limited the deployment of people and transport of materials and equipment. “We expect network capex to be lower than budget for a number of reasons. It’s hard to get capex program going because of the lockdown.”
Only 27 percent, or P2.54 billion, of the revised network capex was utilized in the first quarter.
This year’s reprogrammed network capex include P2.88 billion for new connections, P2.39 billion for asset renewals, P2.27 billion to address load growth, P58 million for electrification project, P45 million for “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) and Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and P75 million for immovable and movable nonnetwork assets.
Aperocho said the balance of P8.5 billion would be carried over to next year.
To date, Meralco has installed and replaced over 100,000 meters, replaced more than 800 electric poles and more than 200 substation equipment covering new connections and asset renewals.
Separately, as part of the Meralco Electrification Project, 56 sites were energized this year with a total of over 1,100 meters installed. As work had to be suspended due to the ECQ, a total of only 173 poles in support of the government’s BBB projects and 96 poles for Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) road-widening projects have been relocated.
For government projects, Aperocho said Meralco has allotted close half a billion for BBB and PPP “because we expect the timely completion of these projects.”
He said the transportation department has already requested Meralco to resume the pole relocation works related to four priority projects: PNR North 1, MRT 7, LRT 1 Cavite extension and the Unified Common Station.
“Design and engineering works for these projects have already resumed. In fact, for MRT line 7 project, we were able to install 40 poles and conducted span cables during ECQ,” said Aperocho.
“We’re currently coordinating with the Department of Transportation for the release of more IDs for our working personnel and contractors, and with the DOE [Department of Energy] to grant us exemption from prearranged power interruption which are necessary for us to relocate our facilities,” he added.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/04/meralco-cuts-2020-network-capital-expenditure-to-%e2%82%a79-34b/
“Because of the ECQ, the design, engineering, and construction, and even procurement of our capex project have been delayed that we had to recast our budget from P17.84 billion to P9.34 billion. This is only for the network side,” said Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Ronnie Aperocho.
The ECQ limited the deployment of people and transport of materials and equipment. “We expect network capex to be lower than budget for a number of reasons. It’s hard to get capex program going because of the lockdown.”
Only 27 percent, or P2.54 billion, of the revised network capex was utilized in the first quarter.
This year’s reprogrammed network capex include P2.88 billion for new connections, P2.39 billion for asset renewals, P2.27 billion to address load growth, P58 million for electrification project, P45 million for “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) and Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and P75 million for immovable and movable nonnetwork assets.
Aperocho said the balance of P8.5 billion would be carried over to next year.
To date, Meralco has installed and replaced over 100,000 meters, replaced more than 800 electric poles and more than 200 substation equipment covering new connections and asset renewals.
Separately, as part of the Meralco Electrification Project, 56 sites were energized this year with a total of over 1,100 meters installed. As work had to be suspended due to the ECQ, a total of only 173 poles in support of the government’s BBB projects and 96 poles for Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) road-widening projects have been relocated.
For government projects, Aperocho said Meralco has allotted close half a billion for BBB and PPP “because we expect the timely completion of these projects.”
He said the transportation department has already requested Meralco to resume the pole relocation works related to four priority projects: PNR North 1, MRT 7, LRT 1 Cavite extension and the Unified Common Station.
“Design and engineering works for these projects have already resumed. In fact, for MRT line 7 project, we were able to install 40 poles and conducted span cables during ECQ,” said Aperocho.
“We’re currently coordinating with the Department of Transportation for the release of more IDs for our working personnel and contractors, and with the DOE [Department of Energy] to grant us exemption from prearranged power interruption which are necessary for us to relocate our facilities,” he added.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/04/meralco-cuts-2020-network-capital-expenditure-to-%e2%82%a79-34b/
Friday, May 1, 2020
Railway projects on track, major airport works to proceed — DoTr
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said its ongoing railway projects are still on track despite the disruptions from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The department also said the major airport projects such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Rehabilitation and Bulacan Airport projects will push through as soon as the COVID-19 situation softens.
In a virtual news conference Thursday, Philippine National Railways General-Manager Junn B. Magno reported that the implementation of the Metro Manila Subway Project resumed two weeks ago, and described the delay as “minimal.”
As for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, he said the department was studying how to “accelerate” the works.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said of the major airport projects: “In so far as the NAIA Rehabilitation Project is concerned, there is ongoing checking and rechecking. As far as Bulacan Airport, may approval na yan, groundbreaking na lang (It has been approved and is awaiting groundbreaking). Sa Private airports proposals pwede natin ituloy yan but with mandates of safety and health. May mga balakid in pursuing these things because of ECQ and GCQ (general community quarantine). Itutuloy yan once the pandemic changes favorably (Private airport proposals can proceed but with adjustments for safety and health. We are constrained pursuing these projects because of ECQ and GCQ, but they will proceed one conditions improve).”
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director-General Jim C. Sydiongco said CAAP is planning to go ahead with at least 22 ongoing projects in CAAP-operated facilities that had been scheduled for 2020 but suspended due to the ECQ.
Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Service Artemio U. Tuazon, Jr. said the department submitted to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) its proposed protocols for the operation of public transportation in both ECQ and GCQ areas.
He said the proposed protocols were included in the omnibus guidelines, for submission to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his approval.
Under the proposal, public transportation will remain suspended in ECQ areas while a gradual reopening of operations of public utility vehicles (PUVs) with 50% reduced capacity will be implemented in GCQ areas.
The department also proposed to encourage the general public to use bicycles or mobility devices.
It said PUVs will be required to secure special permits to operate in GCQ areas. — Arjay L. Balinbin
https://www.bworldonline.com/railway-projects-on-track-major-airport-works-to-proceed-dotr/
The department also said the major airport projects such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Rehabilitation and Bulacan Airport projects will push through as soon as the COVID-19 situation softens.
In a virtual news conference Thursday, Philippine National Railways General-Manager Junn B. Magno reported that the implementation of the Metro Manila Subway Project resumed two weeks ago, and described the delay as “minimal.”
As for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, he said the department was studying how to “accelerate” the works.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said of the major airport projects: “In so far as the NAIA Rehabilitation Project is concerned, there is ongoing checking and rechecking. As far as Bulacan Airport, may approval na yan, groundbreaking na lang (It has been approved and is awaiting groundbreaking). Sa Private airports proposals pwede natin ituloy yan but with mandates of safety and health. May mga balakid in pursuing these things because of ECQ and GCQ (general community quarantine). Itutuloy yan once the pandemic changes favorably (Private airport proposals can proceed but with adjustments for safety and health. We are constrained pursuing these projects because of ECQ and GCQ, but they will proceed one conditions improve).”
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director-General Jim C. Sydiongco said CAAP is planning to go ahead with at least 22 ongoing projects in CAAP-operated facilities that had been scheduled for 2020 but suspended due to the ECQ.
Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Service Artemio U. Tuazon, Jr. said the department submitted to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) its proposed protocols for the operation of public transportation in both ECQ and GCQ areas.
He said the proposed protocols were included in the omnibus guidelines, for submission to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his approval.
Under the proposal, public transportation will remain suspended in ECQ areas while a gradual reopening of operations of public utility vehicles (PUVs) with 50% reduced capacity will be implemented in GCQ areas.
The department also proposed to encourage the general public to use bicycles or mobility devices.
It said PUVs will be required to secure special permits to operate in GCQ areas. — Arjay L. Balinbin
https://www.bworldonline.com/railway-projects-on-track-major-airport-works-to-proceed-dotr/
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
LIST: Businesses allowed in enhanced, general quarantine areas
The Philippines on Tuesday released the list of activities and businesses that are allowed to operate in quarantine areas, as it moved to reopen parts of the economy that were shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Rodrigo Duterte extended the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in Metro Manila and high risk areas to May 15. All other areas will be be placed under looser general community quarantine or GCQ from May 1.
The following are ALLOWED under ECQ and GCQ
The following are ALLOWED in GCQ areas:
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/28/20/list-businesses-allowed-in-enhanced-general-quarantine-areas
President Rodrigo Duterte extended the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in Metro Manila and high risk areas to May 15. All other areas will be be placed under looser general community quarantine or GCQ from May 1.
The following are ALLOWED under ECQ and GCQ
- Agriculture and fisheries and the entire value chain including manufacturing of feeds, fertilizers and pesticides
- Manufacturing and processing plants of basic food products, essential products, medicines and medical supplies including:
- All food
- Essential hygiene products such as soaps, detergents shampoo, conditioners, diapers, feminine hygiene products, tissue, wipes and toilet papers
- Disinfectants
- Medicines and vitamins
- Medical products such as PPEs, masks, gloves, Pet food
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Dental and EENT clinics (with strict health standards)
- Retail establishments (groceries, supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, public markets, pharmacies and drug stores
- Food preparations and water stations)
- Logistics service providers (cargo handling, warehousing, trucking, freight forwarding and shipping line)
- Delivery services, whether or not e-commerce platform, in-house or outsourced, transporting only food, water, medicine, pet food, hardware products or other basic necessities
- Banks and capital markets, per section 5 of IATF Resolution No. 13 dated March 17, 2020
- Power, energy, water, IT and telecommunications supplies and facilities, waste disposal services and technical services to above utilities
- Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply
- Postal and courier activities
- Water collection, treatment and supply
- Waste collection, treatment and disposal activities (except materials recovery - junk shop)
- Sewerage (except emptying of septic tanks)
- Veterinary activities
- Repair and installation of machinery and equipment
- Repair of computers and personal household goods
- Services to buildings and landscape activities (except landscape care)
- Employment activities (manpower services for essential activities)
- Security and investigation activities
- Programming and broadcasting activities
- Rental and leasing activities (except for entertainment and mass gathering purposes)
- Accommodations used as quarantine facilities for OFW and overseas Filipinos, as well as temporary accommodation for essential industries such as healthcare facilities, banks, BPOs, exporters and other frontline service sectors
- Services to buildings and landscape activities
- Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas
- Gasoline stations
- Laundry shops (including self-service)
- Funeral services
- Export companies (with temporary accommodation and shuttle services
- Business process outsourcing companies (with temporary accommodation and shuttle services, work from home)
- Mining and quarrying
The following are ALLOWED in GCQ areas:
- Other manufacturing activities:
- Beverages
- Cement and steel
- Electrical machinery
- Wood products, furniture
- Non-metallic products
- Textile/wearing apparels
- Tobacco products
- Paper and paper products
- Rubber and plastic products
- Coke and refined petroleum products
- Other non-metallic mineral products
- Computer, electronic and optical products
- Electrical equipment
- Machinery and equipment
- Motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers
- Other transport equipment
- Malls and commercial centers (including hardware stores, clothing and accessories and non-leisure stores)
- Barbershops, salons, spas and other personal care industries (with strict health standards)
- Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
- Construction and Build, Build, Build
- Forestry and logging
- Publishing activities
- Motion picture, video and television program production, sound recording and music publishing activities
- Advertising and market research
- Real estate activities (except buying and selling)
- Office administrative, office support and other business activities
- Legal and accounting
- Insurance, reinsurance, and pension funding except compulsory social security
- Architecture and engineering activities, technical testing analysis
- Scientific and research development
- Other professional, scientific and technical activities
- Social work activities without accommodation
- Government office - frontline offices
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/28/20/list-businesses-allowed-in-enhanced-general-quarantine-areas
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Sotto: ECQ should not be lifted in Metro Manila, but modified in other areas
By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said he expects President Duterte to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon that are most affected by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a radio interview, Sotto said President Duterte should not lift the ECQ for largely-affected areas but modify it for others with less or no transmission of COVID-19.
“Ang inaasahan ko at sana ay maging mangyari ay modified. Modified, meaning ‘yong mga biggest hit na areas katulad ng NCR, ay ibang klaseng, hindi pwedeng i-lift. Kailangang i-extend. Pero merong mga modifications (I am expecting, and I hope it will happen, that the ECQ will be modified. Modified, meaning in the biggest-hit areas like the National Capital Region, the ECQ should not be lifted. It should be extended, but there has to be some modifications),” he told radio station DZMM.
He said “enhanced social distancing” may just be enforced in some provinces that recorded low or no coronavirus infections like Palawan and the Ilocos Region, as well some areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
The Senate leader attended President Duterte’s meeting with Cabinet officials and health experts on Monday regarding the government’s game plan after the ECQ lapses on April 30.
Duterte is reportedly set to announce his decision whether to extend, modify, or lift the ECQ on Thursday, April 23.
Sotto agreed with the health experts and said the government cannot abruptly lift the quarantine measures in fear of more COVID-19 infections.
He suggested, however, to let certain sectors and workers to resume operations, like tricycles and other modes of public transport, or construction, while maintaining safe distancing.
This was also the view of his colleagues in the Senate who said essential industries could be allowed to operate to help restart the local economy.
“Those towns that are COVID-free can restart commerce in a limited way. Wearing masks, social distancing etc. It’s more sustainable if the [local government unit] and the private sector can do mass testing, isolation, and treatment of patients,” Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said in a text message on Tuesday.
Sen. Joel Villanueva also said the quarantine can be lifted in some areas in Luzon “because they are far from having an outbreak.”
“In areas like NCR, Cebu, Bulacan, and Davao City, we can look at economic considerations in exempting some sectors from the quarantine but with the caveat that we will practice social distancing, hand washing, and sanitizing protocols, and of course, conducting regular random testing in these sectors,” he said.
Extending the lockdown in largely affected areas like Metro Manila while easing it in others with less COVID-19 cases “sounds like a reasonable compromise,” said Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara.
He said, however, that ports should remain open and food should be free to move around the country since they are “an absolute essential.”
“Whatever the decision of the President must be announced with some lead time especially if it involves some lifting or relaxation of the ECQ since preparations must be made on the ground,” Angara said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/22/sotto-ecq-should-not-be-lifted-in-metro-manila-but-modified-in-other-areas/
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said he expects President Duterte to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon that are most affected by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a radio interview, Sotto said President Duterte should not lift the ECQ for largely-affected areas but modify it for others with less or no transmission of COVID-19.
“Ang inaasahan ko at sana ay maging mangyari ay modified. Modified, meaning ‘yong mga biggest hit na areas katulad ng NCR, ay ibang klaseng, hindi pwedeng i-lift. Kailangang i-extend. Pero merong mga modifications (I am expecting, and I hope it will happen, that the ECQ will be modified. Modified, meaning in the biggest-hit areas like the National Capital Region, the ECQ should not be lifted. It should be extended, but there has to be some modifications),” he told radio station DZMM.
He said “enhanced social distancing” may just be enforced in some provinces that recorded low or no coronavirus infections like Palawan and the Ilocos Region, as well some areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
The Senate leader attended President Duterte’s meeting with Cabinet officials and health experts on Monday regarding the government’s game plan after the ECQ lapses on April 30.
Duterte is reportedly set to announce his decision whether to extend, modify, or lift the ECQ on Thursday, April 23.
Sotto agreed with the health experts and said the government cannot abruptly lift the quarantine measures in fear of more COVID-19 infections.
He suggested, however, to let certain sectors and workers to resume operations, like tricycles and other modes of public transport, or construction, while maintaining safe distancing.
This was also the view of his colleagues in the Senate who said essential industries could be allowed to operate to help restart the local economy.
“Those towns that are COVID-free can restart commerce in a limited way. Wearing masks, social distancing etc. It’s more sustainable if the [local government unit] and the private sector can do mass testing, isolation, and treatment of patients,” Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said in a text message on Tuesday.
Sen. Joel Villanueva also said the quarantine can be lifted in some areas in Luzon “because they are far from having an outbreak.”
“In areas like NCR, Cebu, Bulacan, and Davao City, we can look at economic considerations in exempting some sectors from the quarantine but with the caveat that we will practice social distancing, hand washing, and sanitizing protocols, and of course, conducting regular random testing in these sectors,” he said.
Extending the lockdown in largely affected areas like Metro Manila while easing it in others with less COVID-19 cases “sounds like a reasonable compromise,” said Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara.
He said, however, that ports should remain open and food should be free to move around the country since they are “an absolute essential.”
“Whatever the decision of the President must be announced with some lead time especially if it involves some lifting or relaxation of the ECQ since preparations must be made on the ground,” Angara said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/22/sotto-ecq-should-not-be-lifted-in-metro-manila-but-modified-in-other-areas/
DoTr proposes to free up P15-B funds for coronavirus response
By Arjay L. Balinbin
Reporter
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) on Monday said it identified 35 transport projects where around P15 billion can be freed up for the government’s coronavirus pandemic response efforts.
“submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the list of projects for budget realignment to free up P15.1 billion of funds for initiatives to mitigate COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” the department said in a statement.
Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran declined to provide the list, but said it includes 35 program items and projects across all transport sectors such as rails, airports, ports and roads.
“Hindi ko pa ma-ishare kasi proposal pa lang siya (I cannot share the list because it’s just a proposal). It’s still up to the DBM if they will accept it,” she said in a phone interview.
Ms. Libiran said the projects are not being axed and will still proceed since only a portion of their budgets may be realigned.
“Hindi ititigil ang project… ’Yung portion ng budget ng projects na hindi naman madi-disburse this year, ’yun ang pwede naming ibigay o i-realign (The project will not be stopped… The portion of the budget that will not be disbursed this year, we can realign those),’’ she said.
Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the President has the authority to realign items from the 2019 and 2020 national budgets so it can fund measures to contain COVID-19.
The government has allocated P1.45 trillion so far for fiscal and monetary measures for COVID-19 response, the Finance department said. Around P304 billion has been allotted to assist the most vulnerable sectors, while the majority of the P830.272-billion funds will go to initiatives that will support the economy.
The Department of Finance recently said government expenditures are expected to hit P583 billion for emergency support to vulnerable sectors alone, while it has allotted P35 billion for medical expenses for the COVID-19 fight.
Work on many public infrastructure projects have stopped in Luzon, as the island was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on March 16. The ECQ is scheduled to be lifted on April 30, although the government is weighing whether or not to extend it further.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed limited work for 13 rail projects despite the Luzon-wide lockdown.
These rail projects are the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension, LRT-2 East Extension, LRT-2 West Extension, LRT-2 Fire Restoration, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation, MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, Common Station, Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark 1, PNR Clark 2 and Calamba, Subic-Clark Railway, PNR Bicol, and Mindanao Railway.
Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar has said the department has reallocated a small amount — about P30 billion — from the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program to help finance the response to the crisis.
The “Build, Build, Build” budget stood at P816.2 billion last year. This year, the main agencies implementing the program, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DoTr, have been given a budget of P581.7 billion and P100.6 billion respectively.
Mr. Villar has also said that projects under the infrastructure program will be slightly delayed, but targets for 2020 will still be met.
https://www.bworldonline.com/dotr-proposes-to-free-up-p15-b-funds-for-coronavirus-response/
Reporter
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) on Monday said it identified 35 transport projects where around P15 billion can be freed up for the government’s coronavirus pandemic response efforts.
“submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the list of projects for budget realignment to free up P15.1 billion of funds for initiatives to mitigate COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” the department said in a statement.
Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran declined to provide the list, but said it includes 35 program items and projects across all transport sectors such as rails, airports, ports and roads.
“Hindi ko pa ma-ishare kasi proposal pa lang siya (I cannot share the list because it’s just a proposal). It’s still up to the DBM if they will accept it,” she said in a phone interview.
Ms. Libiran said the projects are not being axed and will still proceed since only a portion of their budgets may be realigned.
“Hindi ititigil ang project… ’Yung portion ng budget ng projects na hindi naman madi-disburse this year, ’yun ang pwede naming ibigay o i-realign (The project will not be stopped… The portion of the budget that will not be disbursed this year, we can realign those),’’ she said.
Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the President has the authority to realign items from the 2019 and 2020 national budgets so it can fund measures to contain COVID-19.
The government has allocated P1.45 trillion so far for fiscal and monetary measures for COVID-19 response, the Finance department said. Around P304 billion has been allotted to assist the most vulnerable sectors, while the majority of the P830.272-billion funds will go to initiatives that will support the economy.
The Department of Finance recently said government expenditures are expected to hit P583 billion for emergency support to vulnerable sectors alone, while it has allotted P35 billion for medical expenses for the COVID-19 fight.
Work on many public infrastructure projects have stopped in Luzon, as the island was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on March 16. The ECQ is scheduled to be lifted on April 30, although the government is weighing whether or not to extend it further.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed limited work for 13 rail projects despite the Luzon-wide lockdown.
These rail projects are the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension, LRT-2 East Extension, LRT-2 West Extension, LRT-2 Fire Restoration, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation, MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, Common Station, Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark 1, PNR Clark 2 and Calamba, Subic-Clark Railway, PNR Bicol, and Mindanao Railway.
Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar has said the department has reallocated a small amount — about P30 billion — from the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program to help finance the response to the crisis.
The “Build, Build, Build” budget stood at P816.2 billion last year. This year, the main agencies implementing the program, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DoTr, have been given a budget of P581.7 billion and P100.6 billion respectively.
Mr. Villar has also said that projects under the infrastructure program will be slightly delayed, but targets for 2020 will still be met.
https://www.bworldonline.com/dotr-proposes-to-free-up-p15-b-funds-for-coronavirus-response/
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
D-Day on lockdown: April 23
Until then, Duterte agonizes over the issue: maintain, modify, lift
President Rodrigo Duterte will decide whether to extend or modify the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon on Thursday, April 23, to give Filipinos enough time to prepare for possible changes, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said Tuesday.
President Duterte will meet with the country’s coronavirus pandemic task force on the same day, said Go. There is a possibility the ECQ will be modified, the President’s former aide added.
This developed as none of the health experts that Duterte consulted pushed for a total lockdown in Luzon to slow the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the Palace said Tuesday.
In a televised briefing, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said most of the experts said if the enhanced quarantine is extended beyond April 30, it should not cover the whole of Luzon.
“The recommendation was to maintain, relax, or lift the ECQ in different areas, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases,” Roque said in Filipino.
Roque said the President asked the experts about the possible outcomes if the Luzon-wide ECQ is lifted, modified or maintained. He also asked if there could be a second wave of infections, and how many would die if the restrictions are lifted soon.
Former Health Secretaries Esperanza Cabral, Janette Garin, and Jaime Galvez Tan, public health expert Dr. Susan Mercado, health reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon and Dr. Mahar Lagmay of the University of the Philippines attended the five-hour meeting in Malacañang.
President Rodrigo Duterte will decide whether to extend or modify the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon on Thursday, April 23, to give Filipinos enough time to prepare for possible changes, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said Tuesday.
President Duterte will meet with the country’s coronavirus pandemic task force on the same day, said Go. There is a possibility the ECQ will be modified, the President’s former aide added.
This developed as none of the health experts that Duterte consulted pushed for a total lockdown in Luzon to slow the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the Palace said Tuesday.
In a televised briefing, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said most of the experts said if the enhanced quarantine is extended beyond April 30, it should not cover the whole of Luzon.
“The recommendation was to maintain, relax, or lift the ECQ in different areas, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases,” Roque said in Filipino.
Roque said the President asked the experts about the possible outcomes if the Luzon-wide ECQ is lifted, modified or maintained. He also asked if there could be a second wave of infections, and how many would die if the restrictions are lifted soon.
Former Health Secretaries Esperanza Cabral, Janette Garin, and Jaime Galvez Tan, public health expert Dr. Susan Mercado, health reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon and Dr. Mahar Lagmay of the University of the Philippines attended the five-hour meeting in Malacañang.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Christopher Go, Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, and some Cabinet officials were also there.
Roque said that while the President had received recommendations from health and business experts, he has yet to meet top government officials on how to address the outbreak.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said it is not easy for them to come up with a decision, saying “we still have time for the President to give his decision.”
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesman for the IATF, said that the meeting with experts for the private sector and government officials failed to reach a consensus on the next steps once the ECQ expires on April 30.
“It was a very extensive discussion and all the inputs that could be provided were discussed but we need more time so we have to do another round of discussions,” Nograles said.
The World Health Organization has warned that if restrictions are relaxed before storng systems are in place to identify, isolate and care for the sick and to trace their contracts, a resurgence of COVID-19 cases is likely.
“I’m sure nobody wants to see another spike but lifting restrictions so soon,” WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific Dr. Takeshi Kasai said.
In a virtual press conference, Kasai said the lifting of lockdown needs to be done gradually.
He said decision on the lifting or easing of a lockdown should be guided by public health principles.
Kasai added that any lifting of restrictions should be done in a gradual, phased manner.
“We should always remember why we’re doing this.. we’re doing this to keep the number... [of infections lower so that] health care facilities can manage. And we’re doing this to really make sure the vulnerable are protected,” the WHO official said.
Kasai reiterated that this COVID-19 battle is going to be a long one and it”s really important time for people to think about a new way of living.
Senators on Tuesday backed a modified ECQ after the quarantine period ends on April 30.
Senator Joel Villanueva said there are several things the government should consider in deciding on whether to lift or to extend the quarantine.
Based on the data presented by the UP COVID Response Team, he said there are areas in Luzon where quarantine can be lifted because they are far from having an outbreak.
In areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, Bulacan and Davao City, Villanueva cited the need to look at economic considerations in exempting some sectors from the quarantine but with the caveat that they will practice the social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing protocols and regular random testing in these sectors.
He noted that the UP School of Economics refers to this sector as the super spreaders.
“They have high impact on the economy but also have high impact in spreading the disease,” Villanueva said.
“We can let them operate but on the condition that they will comply with very strict protocols,” he said.
He cited as examples the construction, logistics and food production sectors.
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara it sounds like a reasonable compromise.
He said ports are open and operating and food should be free to move around the country as an absolute essential.
“Whatever the decision of the President is must be announced with some lead time especially if it involves some lifting or relaxation of the ECQ since preparations must be made on the ground,” he added.
Senator Manny Pacquiao said the lifting of the ECQ would depend on the country”s mass testing capacity.
“My personal opinion is unless we have conducted mass testing among Filipinos, it would be better to extend the ECQ even just a little longer for the safety of the public,” he said.
Senators Panfilo Lacson, Sherwin Gatchalian and Go opted for a modified ECQ that is still compliant with social distancing.
“While we value the primacy of life and public health, it cannot be denied that the country”s economy should not be ignored,” Lacson said.
He proposed that a risk assessment and action plan be conducted to produce a clearer picture of the impact of an extended lockdown moving forward to a post-April 30 scenario or even after.
Lacson cited data from the UP School of Economics, which showed that 70 percent of the country”s workforce are in the micro, small and medium enterprises, which account for at least 30 percent of the economy
In Metro Manila alone, he said at least 250,000 people from that sector are suffering from lost income.
Gatchalian said the enforcement of a modified ECQ should still depend on the analysis and recommendations of public health and medical experts, as well as scientists, and the flattening of the country”s COVID-19 curve.
Modifying the ECQ should also depend on whether or not the country”s testing capacity nationwide could reach from 15,000 to 20,000 per day.
Go said he favors extending the ECQ in the National Capital Region beyond April 30 due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 here.
Go said additional data can now be obtained from cities with the country’s testing capacity increased.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said he expects that the ECQ could be extended while areas that do not have any transmission of the disease can be placed under a modified community quarantine.
“Lifting the lockdown in certain areas with low or no transmission will allow people to work, earn and provide for their families. That will help in restarting our economy,” he added.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said an extension of the ECQ would be possible if mass testing would not be implemented immediately.
https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/322080/d-day-on-lockdown-april-23.html
Extended NCR lockdown eyed
By JEFFREY DAMICOG
An adviser of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19 yesterday called on the government to consider extending the community quarantine in Metro Manila which remains the country’s epicenter of the dreaded coronavirus disease.
Dr. Tony Leachon made the suggestion as the as the government is set to end the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on April 30.
“I would recommend extension in Metro Manila and National Capital Region, May 1 to 15, basically to increase the health care capacity, the testing centers, procure more test kits, improve the hospital facilities and see the figures go down,” he said during an interview over CNN Philippines.
The doctor reminded that NCR remains the epicenter of the COVID-19 cases in the country.
“Eighty percent of the cases are in the National Capital Region,” Leachon cited.
On the other hand, Leachon suggested a modified implementation of the ECQ over the entire Luzon.
“There can be a modified ECQ in Luzon and other areas because there are certain areas with increasing rates like Calabarzon and Pampanga and Bulacan,” he noted.
The adviser warned if restrictions are lifted too soon there would be a resurgence of the COVID-19 cases.
“Any plans to extend the quarantine restriction should be carried out gradually in a phase manner to prevent resurgence of infection particularly during the rainy season in June,” Leachon said.
The doctor cited that there is already a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Japan following the relaxation of boarder controls.
http://tempo.com.ph/2020/04/22/extended-ncr-lockdown-eyed/
An adviser of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19 yesterday called on the government to consider extending the community quarantine in Metro Manila which remains the country’s epicenter of the dreaded coronavirus disease.
Dr. Tony Leachon made the suggestion as the as the government is set to end the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on April 30.
“I would recommend extension in Metro Manila and National Capital Region, May 1 to 15, basically to increase the health care capacity, the testing centers, procure more test kits, improve the hospital facilities and see the figures go down,” he said during an interview over CNN Philippines.
The doctor reminded that NCR remains the epicenter of the COVID-19 cases in the country.
“Eighty percent of the cases are in the National Capital Region,” Leachon cited.
On the other hand, Leachon suggested a modified implementation of the ECQ over the entire Luzon.
“There can be a modified ECQ in Luzon and other areas because there are certain areas with increasing rates like Calabarzon and Pampanga and Bulacan,” he noted.
The adviser warned if restrictions are lifted too soon there would be a resurgence of the COVID-19 cases.
“Any plans to extend the quarantine restriction should be carried out gradually in a phase manner to prevent resurgence of infection particularly during the rainy season in June,” Leachon said.
The doctor cited that there is already a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Japan following the relaxation of boarder controls.
http://tempo.com.ph/2020/04/22/extended-ncr-lockdown-eyed/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)