Filipinos Support PRRD If He Declares Martial Law-Like Lockdown To End Virus In PH

Malacañang on Thursday, April 16, raised the possibility that President Rodrigo Duterte might impose a “total lockdown,” in case the government fails to “flatten the curve” of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the proposed implementation of total lockdown is an “option,” considering that there are still many quarantine violators who continue to defy President Duterte’s order to observe strict home quarantine.

“We are considering total lockdown, especially now that there are many people who are still loitering in the streets,” Secretary Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4.

The entire Luzon and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Implementing an ECQ means people are prohibited from leaving their homes unless they have to access basic necessities or they are exempt from observing the quarantine protocols.

ECQ is deemed different from the proposed total lockdown, which bars people from going out of their homes and recommends the closure of all public establishments.

Secretary Roque, however, clarified that there is no decision yet to implement a total lockdown.

“That’s an option being considered, but I repeat, there is still no decision to impose a total lockdown,” he said.

Earlier, President Duterte warned in a publicly broadcast speech that the government will allow the military and police to take over if Filipinos continue to break quarantine rules.

The President made the threat after reports emerged that some Metro Manila residents were caught participating in cockfights, drinking with friends, and shopping in droves in wet markets despite the ongoing Luzon lockdown, which was implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“I’m just asking for your discipline. If you don’t want to believe me, the military and police will take over, I’m ordering them now to be ready. The police and military will enforce social distancing and the curfew. They’ll do it, it’s like martial law,” President Duterte warned.

Meanwhile, the majority of Filipinos on social media fully support President Duterte in case he declares for martial law like lockdown in the country to flatten the coronavirus curve.