Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declares the Philippines under a state of calamity to enable the government to respond better to the rapidly spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases still increasing. Recently, DOH announces on Tuesday, March 17, confirmed 45 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 187 and the health department recorded 12 deaths.

Last Monday, Duterte announces an “Enhanced Community Outbreak” and today he releases the Philippines under a state of calamity. This declaration allows the LGUs to use their funds in responding to the situation.

Duterte, in Proclamation No. 929 signed on Monday, “Such declaration will, among others, afford the National Government, as well as LGUs, ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to continue to provide basic services to the affected population.”

State of calamity is effective for 6 months unless the President stop it earlier or extend. President Duterte also imposed a price control on basic food commodities and medical supplies as a preventive measure against hoarding and profiteering.

Under the Price Act, “The ongoing global concern on the spread of the COVID-19 has increased the demand for essential emergency drugs and medical supplies, and basic food commodities, thereby making these products susceptible to acts of illegal price manipulation,” the President said in his Memorandum Circular No. 77 issued on Tuesday.

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