The Open Letter from CCBPH Submitted to the President and Senate, Lifting of Outdoor Mask Mandates, 3-Month Extension of State of Calamity

Reporting on 12th September 2022, Covid-19 P(l)andemic Developments in the Philippines.

Submission of Open Letter to the President and Senators

The Saturday 10th September 2022 Philippine Daily Inquirer open letter prepared by CCBPH has been formally submitted to the President and Senators by sister group Christian Alliance for Covid-Resilient Philippines today, 12 September 2022!

Lifting of Outdoor Mask Mandates

Today, 12 September 2022, the President has signed Executive Order 03, lifting mask mandates for outdoor and well-ventilated areas, finally after 2 1/2 years! The basis is an interesting read! Indoor and public transportation masking is retained! Note that the EO ties possible future removal of indoor masking restrictions with vaccination and booster uptake rates!

Extension of State of Calamity for 3 months to Preserve Benefits

Today, this very same day, the state of calamity which was first placed in March 2020 and was meant to help “all government agencies and local government units to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtain and eliminate the threat of Covid-19” has been extended for the benefits it brings. For procurement purposes, for preservation of the benefits under it such as indemnification (From what? Vaccine injury claims and suits?), emergency procurement, special allowances?

The previous extension up to 12 September 2022 had referred to its necessity to allow national and local government to “continue the implementation of Covid-19 vaccination program, augment pandemic response funds, monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and provide basic services to the affected populations”.

Retain the State of Calamity with all its powers and grand indemnifications? Are international loan conditions contingent on state of calamity? WHO benefits?

There is no more Covid-19 infection emergency! The Covid-19 attributed deaths in 2022 are already very low and contribute but a very small % of the 90,000 or so (sad but normal) deaths that will be expected from respiratory illness in the Philippines in 2022.

Still Calamity continues!