Some groups of businessmen opposed the possibility to extend the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila for another 3 weeks, which would have ended on August 20.
“Sana hindi na mag-extend kasi apektado ang mga businesses dito sa Maginhawa,” said Charliebebs Gohetia, a restaurant owner.
According to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), they should balance the health and economic crisis response and not “sensationalize” the numbers.
Instead of just lockdown, the government should improve vaccination.
“Hirap na hirap ang mga empleyado natin… Bakit tayo masyado nagse-sensationalize ng numbers ang importante riyan hindi tayo mag-lockdown,” said ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said the economy has been hit hard due to the many lockdowns.
“Another 5-week lockdown could be the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back. It will wipe out the temporary economic gains we earned in between lockdowns and could stop the momentum of business from moving forward,” warned PCCI acting president Edgardo Lacson.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that lockdown is not the solution to reduce cases but still adherence to protocols and vaccinations.
Business groups shun possibility of extended ECQ
However, it will follow the government’s decision.
“Kung itutuloy ang ECQ o hindi, ito po ay magiging desisyon ng national government with the IATF,” said DOH spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire.
The IATF assured that they will carefully review the data in the coming days to determine if Metro Manila can still extend the ECQ.
The DTI had earlier recommended to the IATF that Metro Manila be returned to the MECQ as soon as possible for the economy to recover.
The Department of Health said the number of daily active cases could drop to 15,262 by the end of September if a 1-week general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions and a 5-week ECQ is implemented.
If 1-week GCQ with heightened restrictions, 3 weeks ECQ, and 2 weeks modified ECQ (MECQ), it is possible to reach 42,050 active cases per day.
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