Former Defense Secretary Gilbert (GIBO) Teodoro says it is not yet time for the government to lift the alert level system throughout the country and must develop an exit plan from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was during the CNN Senatorial Forum when it was asked if the Philippines can simulate other countries who have lifted mitigating measures and restrictions related to the pandemic.

Gibo Teodoro, a candidate for senator, believes that the alert level system is still working as the state of provinces and regions vary on the number of COVID-19 cases and their healthcare capacities.

“We have to ensure that vaccination rate throughout the country is at least around 70 to 80-percent level and we have boosted the healthcare needs, especially those in the far-flung areas, before lifting the alert level system,” Gibo Teodoro said.

“Our current alert level system, especially Level 1 and 2 are no longer restrictive, with a big chunk of our economy already open. We cannot afford another surge particularly those local governments with poor healthcare capability. It is not one size fits all. We have to ensure vaccine equality and improve health facilities in the entire country,” Teodoro said.

Gibo Teodoro supports the government’s mindset shift from pandemic to an endemic, but he said it should be done carefully, and the crafting of an exit plan should be inclusive by hearing recommendations of various sectors and local government units.