The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, on Tuesday backed the proposal to downgrade the quarantine status in the National Capital Region (NCR) from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.
In a statement, the PCCI said the group supports the shift of Metro Manila in the next 14 days to Alert Level 2 and the gradual increase of passenger capacity in public transportation from 70% to full capacity starting November 4.
“The easing of restriction to Alert level 2, which will allow most businesses to operate, and restaurants to increase the capacity of allowed diners is a good move, especially now as we enter the Christmas season and there is a surge in consumer spending,” said PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico.
“Increasing the capacity of public transport will also support the revitalization of business and the economy,” Yujuico added.
Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 3 until November 14.
Under Alert Level 3, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.
For Alert Level 2, establishments will be allowed to operate indoors at 50% capacity with additional 10% capacity if they have a safety seal. For outdoors, they will be allowed at 70%.
NEDA
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimated that the economy will gain P3.6 billion per week when the NCR shifts to Alert Level 2.
Yujuico said that businesses have lost so much money and opportunity for the past two years that it is critical that the economy be fully opened soonest to allow businesses to recover and recoup their losses.
Health and safety protocols, he said, will continue to be practiced.
The NEDA earlier estimated that the economy stands to lose P150 billion for each week several regions are under stricter quarantine modes: ECQ, modified ECQ, and general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.
While the infection rate has declined, Yujuico urged the acceleration of vaccination throughout the country to help MSMEs in the regions, many of which are in the services industries.
He said that other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore have opened up their economies including hotels, travel and, tourism, which the Philippines should consider doing to slowly recover and rebuild the economy. — RSJ, GMA News
PCCI backs NCR shift to Alert Level 2
Source: News Panda Philippines
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