A group of restaurant owners expressed disappointment over the last-minute decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to extend the imposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) classification in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (Resto PH) on Wednesday (Sept. 8) estimated about P450 million in losses in the restaurant industry due to the extension of MECQ.
“Last pera na sa savings accounts nila ang ginamit nila kahapon… I fear how many restaurants will be forced to close na because wala na pong pera talaga,” Resto PH President Eric Teng told PTV.
According to Teng, some restaurant owners felt “hopeless and disposable” in the industry.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday it will appeal to let prohibited businesses resume their operations amid MECQ.
“DTI is still pushing for opening ng businesses like salons, dine-in restaurants, and personal care services kasi alam natin na ito iyong mga industry na maraming affected na employees,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.
More so, DTI urges the IATF to let such businesses operate for COVID-19-vaccinated customers in at least a limited capacity. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla / CF – bny
