Duterte to meet key Cabinet members to discuss “lockdown” proposal for Metro Manila

August 2, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to meet later today, Sunday, some of his Cabinet officials after health experts have recommended to the government to reimpose lockdown or enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila as new coronavirus cases continue to surge.

"The President will meet today with key cabinet members to discuss yesterday’s letter from the frontliners," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.

He said he will make the "proper announcement in due course."

The medical societies sent a letter to Duterte asking him to place the National Capital Region under ECQ, the strictest government quarantine classification entailing restriction in the movement of people and the shutting down of operation of many industries.

As of Saturday, the Department of Health reported that COVID-19 cases soared to a record high for the third straight day, with total cases nearing 100,000.

New cases were reported at 4,963, placing the total at 98,232. Active cases, however, were at 30, 928. Celerina Monte/DMS