Malacañang has stopped the UP-OCTA Research Team from publicizing recommendations related to COVID-19.
This was Malacañang’s statement after UP-OCTA recommended re-enforcing stricter quarantine classification or localized lockdown in Bauan in Batangas, Calbayog in Western Samar and General Trias in Cavite due to the high COVID-19 cases.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said it would be better to follow their recommendation in private so that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is not led.
According to Sec. Roque, experts should also remember that quarantine classifications are usually announced by President Rodrigo Duterte himself.
“I wish they would refrain from making these recommendations publicly. They can probably endorse or course their recommendations privately with the IATF without being led, highlighting the fact that classifications are normally announced by the President himself, ”said Sec. Roque.
However, Sec. Roque that Malacañang is still grateful for the help of UP-OCTA.
“I really appreciate the efforts of OCTA Research Team in helping us monitor COVID cases. But I have already requested them to desist from making recommendation on classification because that is really the job of the expert. And I understand although they have one or two epidemiologists, it is still not the same number of experts working with the IATF. not just at the DOH. ”
