DOH mulls state of calamity extension

The Department of Health on Tuesday said it is eyeing to recommend the extension of the COVID-19 state of calamity should Congress fail to approve its proposed post-pandemic measures.

In a media briefing, Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH will be "forced" to recommend another extension of the COVID-19 state of calamity to President Bongbong Marcos.

"The option really is for us to extend the state of calamity or file another bill na konti lang 'yung nakalaman and specific lang siya dito sa mga requirements natin if the state of calamity will not be extended," Vergeire said, referring to the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control Act and the Public Health Emergency Bill.

She noted that the proposed measures would help the government continue its immunization program against COVID-19 even without declaring a state of calamity.

"We can still do expedited procurement. We can still do the other things we are doing right now for this pandemic," she added.

Marcos previously extended the declaration of the state of calamity due to COVID-19 until 31 December.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte first placed the country in a state of calamity due to COVID-19 on 16 March 2020.