‘Nalilito na ‘ko’: Gabbi Garcia, Janine Gutierrez lament delayed announcement of MECQ guidelines

Janine Gutierrez and Gabbi Garcia. Image: Twitter/@janinegutierrez, Instagram/@gabbi

Gabbi Garcia and Janine Gutierrez expressed their confusion and concerns over the government’s delayed announcement of guidelines for the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) reimposed over Metro Manila and four nearby provinces.

The government said on Sunday that the affected areas, also known as the NCR Plus bubble, were going to be under a less stringent MECQ from April 12 to 30. But its difference from the previously implemented enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was not explained until the day after.

The situation confused Gutierrez and Garcia which led both actresses to ask their fans for help and some clarity.

“May guidelines na ba for MECQ? Nalilito na ‘ko sorry na. Honest question to wag n’yo ako i-bash,” Garcia said on her Twitter page on Sunday, April 11. (Are there already guidelines for MECQ? I’m confused, sorry. This is an honest question, don’t bash me.)

may guidelines na ba for MECQ? nalilito na ko sorry na 😔 honest question to wag nyo ako ibash

— Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi) April 11, 2021

Some of Garcia’s followers tried to help her by sending screenshots of the Inter-Agency Task Force’s Omnibus Guidelines as of April 3 and graphics from the MECQ last year. But others pointed out that these guidelines may be changed or different from what will be said in the official announcement.

One @peentasero assured Garcia that the current situation is confusing for many people and told her, “Don’t worry Gabbi, magulo talaga kasi ang gobyerno kaya nalilito ka.” (Don’t worry Gabbi, the government is really messy so you are confused.)

Dont worry gabbi, magulo talaga kasi ang gobyerno kaya nalilito ka. Maya maya gising na si digs at mag jogging, motor at golf sya mamayang gabi.

— peentasero (@peentasero) April 11, 2021

Gutierrez also asked her followers if they can help her find an infographic explaining the guidelines, saying she could not find one on her own.

“Ano nga ulit yung MECQ? (What does an MECQ mean again?) can’t find the infographics anymore – does anyone have one?” she asked, also last Sunday.

ano nga ulit yung MECQ? can’t find the infographics anymore – does anyone have one?

— JANINE ✨ (@janinegutierrez) April 11, 2021

Some of Gutierrez’s fans also responded to her and aired their sentiments about the government’s MECQ announcement. One @ArielPe05990254 complained about why the clarification had to wait until the following day and said it was hard to plan ahead without an official notice.

“I don’t think it will be the same MECQ also. And they still want people to wait until tomorrow for clarifications. Hindi namin alam kung pwede na kaming magbukas o hindi (We don’t know if we should open [businesses] or not),” the netizen said.

“Mahirap talaga magplano sa gobyernong walang plano para sayo. Kapit,” the actress responded. (It’s really hard to plan with a government that does not have a plan for you. Hang in there.)

ayun na nga. intay muna ulit. mahirap talaga magplano sa gobyernong walang plano para sayo. kapit. https://t.co/147DQrqqG2

— JANINE ✨ (@janinegutierrez) April 11, 2021

Under the MECQ, individuals below 18 and above 65 years old will have to remain at home at all times, Malacañang announced on Monday. However, local government units can change their minimum age range to 15 years old depending on the number of COVID-19 cases in their areas. Outdoor exercise activities will also be allowed while religious activities will be limited to 10% of a venue’s capacity. Gatherings outside of residences will remain prohibited. JB

RELATED STORIES:

So what’s the plan?’: Anne Curtis asks about government’s next steps amid COVID-19 surge

‘Wag magreklamo? Hanggang kailan?’: Janine Gutierrez calls out lack of solutions amid pandemic