ECQ extension in many provinces, including Cebu

Last Thursday midnight, my little birdie in Malacañang whispered to me by phone (that is physical distancing) the decision of the president on the Enhanced Community Quarantine and the GCQ. As expected, Metro Manila and the whole islands of Cebu, among others, that are classified as high-risk, are still under ECQ.

The truth is, it’s expected and not too many were surprised. What was quite disturbing to some (not me) were two off-the-cuff pronouncements by Manong Digong; first on the possible declaration of martial law, and second, when he said, there is no telling when this crisis will end. That should be a warning that the May 15 deadline can still proceed and be further extended by installment. I suspected this from the very beginning. And I still do believe that this can extend up to August. For which reason, the president mentioned opening of classes by September in the high-risk areas at the very least. It’s quite difficult to imagine having a school system with varying school calendars from region to region. But that is the new normal.

My assistant who lives in the ground floor of my house and who is “makulit” asked me to please clarify what is the meaning of “the whole island of Cebu.” Does it exclude Mactan, Camotes, and the more than 100 islands surrounding the main province, including Kalusoan Islands developed by the late Noy Kito Mendoza (of ALU-TUCP) as a tourist site? When I asked my contact, he told me that, based on historical definitions when mention is made of the whole island of Cebu, it means islands. The lawyers would tell us that the accessories shall follow the principal.

That means the entire jurisdiction of Governor Gwen including the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Danao, Toledo, Carcar, and Naga. This is a strong vindication of the strong hand being used by the governor in imposing strict discipline in the movement of people. And this is a warning to all writers, bloggers and commentators in social media and mainstream media, that spreading of false information, in bad faith or even recklessly, may cause legal prosecution and the firm implementation of the Bayanihan Law. Good faith is not a defense because that would be a “malum prohibitum” and intent is not necessary for conviction.

This is also a time for LGU leaders to unite and to act as one to protect the people and help them cope with the crisis and to fight as one against a common enemy, the virus. Thus, I do admire Vice Governor Junjun Davide because, despite their political divide and notwithstanding past skirmishes between his camp and that of the governor, the ever good-natured vice governor has continued to support the initiatives of Governor Gwen. I hope also that in Cebu City, the partnership between Mayor Edgar Labella and Vice Mayor Mike Rama shall hold, COVID-19 or no COVID-19.

These are difficult times. All of us Filipinos should hold hands. Let us trust our leaders. I call upon all to set aside our differences and stand as one. Those who are congenital non-conformists, especially non-Filipinos, I appeal to you be polite to your host country. If you think the Philippines is not good enough for you, you know what to do. As for me and my house, we shall follow our president, our governor, and city mayor.