BY ARGYLL CYRUS B. GEDUCOS
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MALACAÑANG yesterday told businesses allowed to operate under the modified enhanced community quarantine to stay closed if they cannot provide a shuttle for their employees as public transport remains suspended for the rest of the month.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after it was announced that more businesses will be allowed to reopen in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City during the MECQ period from May 16 to 31.
Under the MECQ, only shuttles and personal vehicles of residents are allowed to ply the streets.
Roque said businesses should provide shuttles for their workers as he reminded them that public transportation is still suspended during the MECQ period.
“Kung hindi po kaya talaga ng kumpanya na magbigay ng shuttle o kung walang sasakyan yung kanilang mga empleyado, eh, ‘wag na po muna magbukas,” he said.
Roque added that the government cannot risk a second wave of COVID-19 infections just to restart the economy.
“It’s a policy decision po. We want to restart the economy but not at the expense of having a second wave,” he said.
Manufacturing businesses are partially allowed to open under the MECQ. However, public transportation is still suspended. Citizens of areas under the MECQ, however, can use their personal vehicles like cars, bikes, motorcycles, and even e-scooters.
