Closing biz again would spell disaster for PH: Duterte

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday admitted that closing businesses amid a spike in Covid-19 cases nationwide would spell “disaster” for the Philippine economy.

In a pre-recorded public address, Duterte made the statement after he approved placing Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under a general community quarantine (GCQ) bubble until April 4 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

He acknowledged that the surge in Covid-19 cases could be due to the fact that many areas in Metro Manila are “heavily laden” with people, including Divisoria, Manila’s famous flea market.

“Nanonood ako ng TV (I watch TV) and every time Covid is being discussed they play a certain footage dun sa (in) Divisoria. How can you control the people there? It’s such a small place, there are so many thousands there trying to wriggle in and out of…’yan ang mahirap because of the space na wala kasi tapos dumating itong pandemya dito tayo nahirapan (that’s what makes it difficult because of the lack of space and then this pandemic happened that’s why we’re having problems),” he said.

Duterte, however, said he could not impose another lockdown since people’s source of livelihood would be affected.

“Kung sarahan mo naman ‘yan lahat medyo tagilid na ang ekonomiya (If you close it all our economy is not in good shape) and that’s a problem. Kung sarahan mo talaga lahat (If you close it all), it would be disaster for the country. So balance balance nalang tayo (So we have to maintain a balance),” he added.

Duterte also defended his decision to impose additional restrictions in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces, stressing that the state can control the movement of the people especially under a prevailing health crisis.

“The curtailment of your freedom to travel is always subject to the power of the state to control the movement of its citizens especially if there is a pandemic. The state has that kind of power although hindi ‘yan sa (it’s not) martial law. It’s just putting you in the right places at this time,” he said.

On Sunday, Duterte approved additional restrictions in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces for two weeks to cut by 25 percent the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide.

Currently, operational capacities of essential and non-essential services/industries will be maintained subject to minimum health standards.

Gyms and fitness centers inside the GCQ bubble are allowed to operate up to 75 percent of their capacity while spas are allowed to operate up to 50 percent capacity.

The operation of gyms, fitness centers, and spas is subject to adherence to safety protocols and minimum public health standards, particularly in the prohibition of aggregation in communal areas such as pantries and canteens, among others.

These establishments will only be allowed to operate depending on the local government units (LGUs). Quezon City has prohibited the operation of these establishments.

In restaurants, only outdoor dining will be allowed at 50 percent operational capacity provided that engineering and administrative controls are in place like acrylic or small dividers, limiting to two persons per table, among other. Indoor dining in restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments will be limited to delivery and take-out.

Operations of driving schools, traditional cinemas and video and interactive game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, limited social events at accredited tourism establishments and limited tourism attractions will be temporarily suspended except open-air tourism attractions.

All public gatherings including religious gatherings are prohibited while face-to-face meetings are discouraged. Weddings, baptisms, and funeral services will be limited to 10 persons.

There will a be a common curfew imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation will not be restricted by the said curfew.

Public transportation will also retain current capacity.