DTI Chief: PH Cannot Bear Another Lockdown

As the national government announced new quarantine restrictions in the country to be made effective August 1, concerns rise as to the capability of the Philippines to sustain another long lockdown as the new COVID-19 Delta variant emerges and the country losing around PHP30 billion per two-weeks of lockdown, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The trade chief further added that the country cannot bear another massive lockdown as apart from the lost profit, many people lose jobs, especially in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“The economy cannot bear another massive lockdown. We lose around PHP30 billion for a two-week lockdown. Many lost their jobs, livelihood, most of them are micro (and) SMEs (small and medium enterprises),” according to Lopez during the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday.

Lopez also added that the country must take a balanced, holistic approach in quarantine protocols for different areas.

He also stressed on the need for business to help further in the fight against the pandemic such as the creation of their own health and safety committees to ensure minimum public health protocols are constantly being followed, monitored, and maintained in their establishments. (GFB)