The proposed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) nationwide by economic managers should be accompanied by additional assistance to workers, according to some groups.
The labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno agrees with the MGCQ recommendation of the National Economic Development Authority but said it should be accompanied by assistance to the dying businesses and high wages of workers.
“Hindi makapag-survive ang manggagawa nang hindi inuutang ‘yung susunod na a-kinse katapusan ‘no, ‘yung dating sanla-ATM wala na ngayon, kasi wala na siyang isasangla,” said KMU chairperson Elmer Labog.
NEDA previously mentioned that the entire country needs to be subject to MGCQ – the simplest of the four quarantine restrictions.
Many parts of the country are on MGCQ but Metro Manila and other areas are still on GCQ, which has allegedly affected the livelihoods of many workers.
According to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, it is important to loosen lockdown restrictions if the capacity of public transport is not increased.
Assistance, transportation needed if MGCQ will push through
“Balewala ‘yang mga relaxation, relaxation if we will not provide transpo. Anong ginagawa ng transportation ano, instead na padaliin ang pagtatrabaho, tumulong, pinasok ‘yung BEEP, pinasok ‘yung RFID, pinasok ‘yung modernization ng jeep, modernization ng bus…lahat ng pahirap at gastos,” said Sergio Ortiz Luis, leader of ECOP.
He said the Department of Transportation is ready to implement NEDA’s recommendation if it is approved by the pandemic task force. But they will still ensure strict enforcement of health protocols.
“Rest assured that the DOTr will implement whatever decision the IATF and the Cabinet may arrive at regarding the NEDA’s proposal while making sure that strict health protocols are observed and enforced in public transport vehicles and facilities to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” said DoTr in a statement.
Health compliance is also the key to the Department of Trade and Industry to prevent the spread of COVID-19 even if the restrictions are relaxed.
If this is not done now, it may just increase the problem in the country.
The Philippines is also said to be falling behind neighboring countries in Southeast Asia when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.