The Philippines will "most likely" extend the declaration of the state of calamity due to COVID-19, the Department of Health said Friday.

Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the decision was based on the pronouncements of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Vergeire cited that the extension is due to the "process of the timeline of the amendment of the law."

The DoH earlier urged the president to amend Republic Act No. 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 before deciding whether to lift or extend the state of calamity due to the pandemic.

The state of calamity will expire on September 12, 2022.