Palace denies ‘pro-rich’ Covid-19 quarantine rules, says gov’t only protecting public health

By Prince Golez

Malacañang on Wednesday rejected claims that the quarantine rules imposed by the national government in relation to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic are anti-poor.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was reacting to concerns about “pro-rich” resolutions issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.

Netizens believe that the existing policies of the IATF are geared to benefit the wealthy instead of those who really need government assistance.

“The priority of IATF is still upholding pubic health. As far as transportation is concerned, it’s not just cars that are being given priority. We have allowed the PNR, MRT, buses, the TNVS, [and] taxis. So, it’s not true that the favored mode of transportation is still private because we know the majority of people still don’t have access to private transportation so I don’t think that is the case that it is pro-[rich],” Roque said in an interview over ANC.

UV express and traditional jeepneys are still barred from plying the streets of Metro Manila because of difficulties in observing social distancing.

For sports, the Palace official stressed that only non-contact outdoor sports allowed to resume for safety reasons.

Based on IATF Resolution 38, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, and skateboarding are permitted in areas under general community quarantine.

“The prevailing and single most import criterion is, is it a contact sport? If it’s not a contact sports it’s allowed, too. Golf just happened to have been one of the sports that’s played outdoors so less risk really and it’s not a contact sport,” Roque said.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)