The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the revived Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is nothing but a new scourge for the lockdown-fatigued population. On Saturday, Malacanang announced ECQ for the National Capital Region and provinces under the NCR + Bubble from March 29 to April 4.

“This ECQ reaffirms the government’s failed pandemic response. Palpak si Duterte at lockdown lang ang alam na solusyon sa COVID,” according to KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos.

“This ECQ is unacceptable and will be met with opposition by sectors who are most affected by the government’s stay at home policy. Pagkukulong sa mamamayan ang lockdown na ito at hindi solusyon sa tumataas na kaso ng COVID,” he added as he said that farmers in Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite and Rizal will again be inconvenienced by checkpoints, curfew, and strict lockdown measures that hamper production and marketing of farm produce.  

The KMP leader further added: “Hindi lockdown ang kailangan. Ayuda, mass testing at bakuna ang kailangan ng mamamayan.”

KMP asserts the P10,000 cash aid for millions of poor families and P15,000 production subsidy for farmers and fisherfolks.

No birthday love for Duterte

“Duterte added a number to his age today but he is not a year wiser. He is repeating all the failed responses to the pandemic. Like a mad man, he continues to ramble nonsense as he blames activists, human rights defenders, and even the New People’s Army for the country’s woes. Palpak talaga si Duterte, dapat mag resign na siya.”

KMP said Duterte will receive no love from farmers on his 76th birthday. “We sincerely wish today would be Duterte’s last birthday as President. We want him out of Malacanang as soon as possible.” #