2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines 13 and Taguig were in the top 5 among local government units (LGUs) in NCR in terms of their COVID-19 response performance such as the way these cities meet the living standards, needs, and their proposed and existing COVID-19 policies.35 Policies such as “Contain and Delay” policy in Manila, on misting, on provision of, vitamins for older persons and medical supplies to last for at least three days, and dissemination of accurate information and guidelines on how to stop the spread of the virus.36 In Tacloban, most LGUs have already enacted measures, such as community quarantine, disinfection, border closure, and monitoring of persons who recently traveled to COVID-19 affected areas, among others, to contain the spread of COVID-19.37 15 As the current pandemic exhausted the capacity of the country’s health system, the CHR recognizes the contribution of the health workers as the backbone of the healthcare system38 and expressed support for the measure granting scholarships to prospective medical students, believing that sufficient investment for healthcare and medical workers will be beneficial to national development.39 40 16 On the alleged corruption at PhilHealth, the CHR called for an immediate and independent investigation, pointing out that the reforms in political structures, rule of law, and governance are vital for the healthcare system to work effectively and efficiently.41 35 See http://www.publicusasia.com/ncr-COVID-19-survey-3-valenzuela-pasig-manila-marikina-taguig-top-5-inmayor-lgu-approval/. 36 See https://business.inquirer.net/292521/lgus-step-up-efforts-to-contain-combat-COVID-19. 37 Commission on Human Rights (2020). Consolidated COVID-19 Reports from Region VIII and Mindanao Regions(16-20 March, 2020). Philippines: N.P. 38 See http://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-chr-spokesperson-atty-jacqueline-ann-de-guia-on-the-observance-of-philippinemedicine-day/. 39 See http://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-chr-spokesperson-atty-jacqueline-de-guia-expressing-support-for-the-proposedmeasure-granting-medical-scholarships/. 40 National End-of-Project Survey on Human Rights September 25-30, 2020 National Survey. 41 See http://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-chr-spokesperson-atty-jacqueline-ann-de-guia-on-allegations-of-corruption-andirregularities-in-the-philippine-health-insurance-corporation/.