Go: Public health emergency lifting may be premature

In light of the mutating Covid-19 virus, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged the government to await the advice of health experts before deciding whether or not to lift the state of public health emergency.

"It may be premature as of now. Let us wait for the assessment of health experts and I'm sure it will be based on good science," said Go in an ambush interview after personally aiding residents in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro on Thursday, 22 December.

According to Go, health authorities are in the best position to determine and recommend when to lift the said status.

The Department of Health stated in October that if three requirements are met, including a plateauing of cases, increased immunization coverage and a low number of severe and critical hospital admissions, it may recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the lifting of the state of a public health emergency.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte initially placed the Philippines under a state of public emergency on 8 March 2020, when the first local Covid-19 transmission was reported by the Department of Health. The declaration will continue to be "in force and effect" according to the proclamation until it is revoked or lifted by the President.

The former president also placed the country under a state of calamity on 16 March 2020 for six months. The proclamation was extended in September 2020 for another year, and then extended again in September 2021.

The state of calamity allows the government "to continue the implementation of Covid-19 vaccination program, augment pandemic response funds, monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and provide basic services to the affected populations."

Meanwhile, Go's outreach team mounted a relief effort for residents whose livelihoods were severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur last Thursday, 22 December.

The Senator's team distributed snacks and masks to 200 indigents at Sta. Catalina covered court. They also gave away new pairs of shoes, cellular phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals.

A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, extended separate financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Apart from the assistance provided, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered additional help to those who require medical attention but could not afford the fees and other expenses.