Protocols for the next 15 days

And so, Cebu province is considered an orange LGU, or under general community quarantine or classified as moderately risky area, together with Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. But as expected, Cebu City is still a red area, which is considered highly risky, and still under enhanced quarantine, albeit now modified.

As usual, President Rodrigo Duterte kept the suspense hanging early in the morning when all the people were tuned in to his press conference. Each one was holding his breath waiting for the presidential verdict. It turned out to be another story telling by our president who reiterated his preference to be called simply as “Mayor.” He did not give the details of his decision but regaled us with his anecdotes as mayor and how he dealt with NPAs. What saved the morning was the opening statement of Secretary Dominguez who gave us the good news that among 66 countries all over the world, the Philippines is No. 6 or in the top 10 per cent in the community of nations, and that our country is number one in Southeast Asia in terms of economic and financial strength. Because our economic fundamentals are very strong, we have the best chance for recovery in this region.

It took Secretary Harry Roque and Usec Maria Rosario Virgiere of DOH to explain the details at noon time yesterday. What is good about the president is that he delegates to his subalterns and underlings the nitty gritty. He does not want to steal the thunder all the time. Also, we find as positive the president trust on the health and economic experts on matters within their respective areas of competence. Unlike President Trump who always wants to be more popish than the pope, so to say, Manong Digong leaves all matters about medicine and health issues to the doctors. He leaves the economy and financial matters to the economic and financial wizards. He just looks at the options, and he decides. That makes him a true leader, and not a micro manager like GMA nor an abdicating president like PNoy.

And so, the protocol in Cebu City and in Manila, as well as in Laguna, is as is, except only that 50 per cent of the industries shall be allowed to open. These industries involve food manufacturing and processing of food inputs, as well as packaging needed for foods. The supply chain and logistics and transport in support of essential commodities will be allowed, subject to the strict social distancing, strict hygiene requirements, and the compulsory wearing of masks. But schools will not open although learning and educational processes can be done online using the different platforms and multi-media. Construction in line with the Build, Build, Build program shall resume under strict guidelines and discipline.

Public transport will resume but will be subject to a very strict protocol. Enforcement will be firm and unyielding to pressures and will be uncompromising, as usual and exceptions shall be the barest minimum. Public officials and DSWD had been warned that any corruption and dishonesty in the distribution of the SAP and other government aid shall be unforgiving. The COA shall check the smallest of details of the matter. Barangay captains and mayors, and their subordinates who may be found guilty, after due process, shall be jailed and exposed to public ridicule.  There shall be no ''ifs'' or ''buts'' on this''.

There is no telling how many extensions will still be opted for, after May 31. What matters most is that we have a leader who is very much concerned for our health, safety and well-being, and who is on top of all interventions in combating COVID-19