President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) and his son, Congressman Sandro Marcos, receive shots of COVID-19 vaccine in Manila on August 17. Marcos calls on the Filipino public to get their booster shots. (Photo: Office of the Press Secretary) Hanoi (VNA) -Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has said that he is mullingextending the nationwide state of public health emergency until the end of thisyear as the country continues to grapple with COVID-19.
Marcos said lifting the stateof emergency might deprive his country of aid or supplies that global agencies suchas the World Health Organisation give to the international medical community.Therefore, it is likely to be extended until the end of this year, Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of thePinasLakas vaccination campaign in Manila on August 17.
In March 2020, former President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency in thecountry due to the coronavirus outbreak. Then, it is extended until September 12 this year.
The Philippines reported 2,892 new caseson August 17, raising the total caseload in the Southeast Asian country to over 3.84 million.
Marcos urged the public toget the booster shots, stressing its importance in opening up the economy andpreventing crippling lockdowns./.
