Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III said an extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) would not further help the economic frontliners amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a virtual press briefing by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday (Aug. 18), Bello said workers may not be able to survive another lockdown.
“Kung walang business, walang economy. Kung walang workers, paano gagalaw ang negosyo?” Bello said.
“My personal position would be to give a break to our workers. Kung ituloy natin ‘yang ECQ na ‘yan, baka hindi na kayanin ng ating workers,” he added.
Still, Bello said he would welcome any recommendation from the medical experts regarding the quarantine classification for Metro Manila, considering that public compliance with minimum health and safety protocols is necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19. – Report from Louisa Erispe / CF – jlo
