The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 929 on March 16, 2020, declaring a state of calamity throughout the Philippines for a period of six (6) months, unless earlier lifted or extended as the circumstances may warrant.

With this declaration, the President is activating all available government mechanisms to protect the Filipino people from the current health threat this country is facing. All concerned agencies of the national government, and even local government units (LGUs), shall therefore be able to mobilize the necessary resources to attend to the immediate situation, including the basic needs of their affected constituents, and obtain necessary funding support therefor.

The Office of the President likewise wishes to inform that today, March 17, 2020, PRRD, through Memorandum Circular No. 77, has directed all government agencies, offices and instrumentalities, as well as LGUs, to implement and ensure compliance with the issuances of the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture on the prices of essential emergency medicine and supplies and selective agriculture and fishery commodities.

In this present state of calamity, the Palace is fully aware that certain unscrupulous quarters would engage in illegal price manipulation and hoarding. This issuance must therefore serve a stern reminder that the government, with the President at its helm, remains vigilant in monitoring the developments in the country and that it is here to serve and protect the interest of the Filipino people.

Salvador S. Panelo
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
& Presidential Spokesperson