5 Parañaque barangays set for lockdown

MANILA, Philippines — At least five barangays in Parañaque with the most number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases will be placed under strict lockdown for three days next week, Mayor Edwin Olivarez said yesterday.

Barangay San Antonio has 78 COVID-19 cases followed by BF Homes with 66; San Dionisio with 64; Don Bosco with 59, and Moonwalk with 51.

Barangay Baclaran, which posted 43 cases may also be placed under lockdown, according to Olivarez.

As of May 10, there were 578 cases of COVID-19 in the city with 30 deaths and 148 recoveries.

Olivarez said they would conduct rapid testing on 3,000 individuals.

Banks, stores, gasoline stations, money remittance centers and markets will be closed.

In Caloocan, the lockdown in Barangay 156, Bagong Barrio is extended until May 19.

Mayor Oscar Malapitan said they needed more time to conduct contact tracing after 25 residents tested positive for the virus.

The extreme enhanced community quarantine in the village was originally set from May 12 to 15.

Pasay lifts liquor ban

The Pasay government lifted the ban on drinking and distribution of liquor in the city effective yesterday.

The move aims to help residents “deal with anxieties” during the lockdown, according to an ordinance passed by the city council. It also seeks to increase the sales of small businesses.

“Consumption of alcoholic drinks is allowed as long as it is done inside the house and physical distancing is observed,” read the ordinance.

Residents may purchase liquor between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Drinking in public places is still prohibited.

SAP anomaly

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday said it would file graft charges against two barangay officials who included deceased people as beneficiaries of the cash subsidy under the social amelioration program or SAP.

Rodrigo Villarde and Joey Uy Jamisola, captains of Barangays 71 and 306, respectively, were among the 46 local officials who were summoned by Mayor Isko Moreno.

MPD Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief Rosalino Ibay Jr. said Villarde and Jamisola would also face charges of violation of the Bayanihan Act.