President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday asked the local government units to tap hotels in their areas as coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) facilities, citing the scarcity of space for those suspected of having the virus.

“Marami mang hotel ngayon — there’s a dearth — dearth not hindi — a dearth is kulang (While there are a number of hotels now, there’s still a scarcity). There’s a dearth of space for people who are suspected of having the virus,” he said in his public address.

Duterte said he will leave the decision to the local government units, including identifying vacant hotels or inns that could accommodate asymptomatic patients within their areas.

“So ‘yung mga local governments are put on notice that I have directed you to make necessary arrangements with the vacant motels, hotels na patirahin muna ninyo ‘yung mga Covid patients (to accommodate temporarily the Covid patients),” he noted.

Meanwhile, he appealed to hotel owners to offer their establishments and “to accommodate the Filipinos who are in need of help.” This as he provided assurance he will “personally see to it” that they are paid on time.

“I will assume the full responsibility of paying you pagdating ng panahon (when the time comes). I will ask Congress, I will plead sa kanila na hanapan ng paraan bayaran kayo (with them to find a way to pay you). And I will personally see to it that you are paid on time,” he said.

In Metro Manila, some 144 hotels are currently being used as facilities for overseas Filipinos who must undergo quarantine upon arrival in the country.

As of Dec. 7, the Philippines’ active Covid-19 case count has reached 24,125, about 84.6 percent are mild, 6.4 percent are asymptomatic, 2.9 percent are severe, 0.32 percent are moderate, and 5.8 percent are in critical condition. (PNA)

Photo Credit: www.pcoo.gov.ph