President Ferdinand Marcos on Wednesday said the declaration of a State of Calamity in Metro Manila would be under the decision of local government executives.
During a situational briefing on the effects of Typhoon ‘Carina’ and the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) in Quezon City, President Marcos clarified that the procedures for such declaration should be led by local government units (LGUs).
“Actually, the State of Calamity is usually declared by the local government unit. When it’s regional, it’s because multiple areas experience the same issue at the same time,” President Marcos said during his meeting with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“It becomes a calamity when three regions are involved, and then the national government has to step in,” he explained. He stressed that local communities are best positioned to determine their needs and decide on declaring a state of calamity.
“Declaring a State of Calamity also allows access to funds. LGUs can access national funds once their emergency reserves are depleted,” President Marcos added.
This statement comes moments before the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution to put Metro Manila under the State of Calamity due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon ‘Carina’ and Habagat (southwest monsoon).
