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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ARTA task force eyed to ensure timely COVID-19 response

ARTA task force eyed to ensure timely COVID-19 response

Published Mar 31, 2021 03:22 pm

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is considering forming a special task force that would ensure the timely response of the government to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

ARTA Director-General Jeremiah Belgica made the statement following the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal until April 4.

In a virtual presser on Tuesday, Belgica said the ARTA is looking into the formation of a special task force that would ensure the timely processing of all procurement, donations, and other logistical needs related to the government’s COVID-19 response action.

"We will strictly monitor all COVID-19-related procurement and donations, and other platforms that will help in contact tracing and everything. We will see if important documents are being processes swiftly)," he said in Filipino.

"We will see if there is a bottleneck or if it is moving in accordance with the national emergency," he added.

President Duterte approved placing the entire Greater Manila Area under ECQ until April 4 but it is still subject to further review. Malacañang said the decision whether or not to extend the implementation of the strict measures will be announced by Saturday.

Meanwhile, the government has also implemented the simultaneous vaccination of persons under priority categories A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities) this week.

President Duterte likewise ordered Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to sign any and all documents that will allow the private sector to procure COVID-19 vaccines "at will" and directly from pharmaceutical firms so they can vaccinate their employees.

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