Bong Go expresses support in extending ECQ in high-risk provinces; urges Filipinos to fully cooperate and not be complacent

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go expressed his full support for the national government's decision to extend the enhanced community quarantine in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other high-risk areas until May 15. At the same time, the national government imposed a general community quarantine (GCQ) on moderate and low-risk areas starting May 1.

In an interview over DZBB on April 24, the Senator said that he agrees with the decision to extend ECQ in high-risk areas to further combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Go expressed that it will be imprudent to lift the quarantine prematurely, especially in high-risk areas.

"Ako po ay sang ayon dito sa pagpalawig ng ECQ sa mga lugar na tumataas pa 'yung mga numero ng positive cases, 'yung mga PUM at PUI. Mahirap pong magkumpyansa. Let's not be complacent," Go said.

"At dun naman po sa low or moderate, 'yung mga naging GCQ na po, ay mag-ingat pa rin po kayo. Hindi ibig sabihin ay 'yun na po 'yun, ay permanente na... Pag tumaas po 'yung numero ninyo... ay maaari po kayong masama sa mga listahan ng ECQ (ulit)," the Senator added.

Go emphasized that the national government can always reimpose stricter measures once an increase in the number of positive cases will be observed in moderate and low-risk areas. The Senator advised that areas tagged as moderate and low-risk must still remain vigilant and cooperate to keep their respective number of cases down.

"Alam ko pong inip na inip na po 'yung mga Pilipino, ako din po inip na inip na rin po ako. Gusto po naming lumabas, magtrabaho, sayang 'yung oras natin, lahat tayo gusto na nating lumabas, hindi tayo sanay na nakakulong pero it will serve as a challenge po sa mga lugar, sa mga munisipyo, probinsya na included pa po ngayon na magtulungan kayo and for the whole community to cooperate. Disiplina po para hindi na po tumaas 'yung numero," Go explained.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to extend the ECQ to May 15 for Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and other regions or areas identified as high-risk, such as Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, Cebu and Davao.

Go has asked all Filipinos to continue to work together to suppress the COVID-19 outbreak in order for the country to fully overcome the crisis the soonest possible time.

"Isang iglap lang, pag tumaas 'yung kaso, biglang papasok nanaman tayo sa ECQ, eh di kulong na naman kayo. Kung baga, kaya nga sabi ko challenge po ito sa bawat mamamayan sa kanya kanyang mga lugar. Sabihan niyo 'yung mga kapitbahay ninyo na wag kayong magpakalat-kalat diyan dahil pag tumaas itong numero natin ay damay na naman tayong lahat," Go said.