SJDM, Bulacan residents oppose strict MECQ enforcement

Some residents of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan have opposed the local government’s plan to strictly enforce the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), which they said would only pose more problems for residents employed outside the city.

According to Emil Sumangil’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” the strict MECQ enforcement will still take effect 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 10, despite the concerns raised by residents.

Local authorities earlier clarified that it was not implementing a lockdown but merely enforcing stricter protocols on those entering and exiting the city.

“Mas magiging problema siya sa mas maraming empleyado sa ibang lugar dahil ‘yung kakaunting sahod nila, isipin mo, imbes na mapunta na lang sa pamilya nila, hahatiin pa doon ‘yung pang-upa nila kung sa’n sila makakahanap ng matitirahan,” Vladimir Amper said.

Amper and several other residents penned an open letter to the city government to express their opposition.

Meanwhile, tricycle drivers said they have gotten few passengers since the MECQ took effect over Metro Manila and neighboring areas on Tuesday.

“Gano’n po talaga e, wala tayong magagawa. Pero mas maganda na siguro [ito],” one tricycle driver said.

“Wala na talagang ibang pagkakakitaan kundi ito lang e. Matira na lang matibay,” another added.

San Jose Del Monte has so far recorded 415 COVID-19 cases with 20 deaths. -Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News