By Alec Go
Health protocols will be retained but with a slight adjustment on the social distancing rule for business establishments under Alert Level 1, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Saturday (Feb. 25).
Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said the wearing of face masks and hand sanitation will continue to be observed, noting that establishments with Safety Seal certifications are mandated to follow health and safety protocols.
“Ang maiiba lang sa Alert Level 1 iyong physical distancing – medyo liliit na siya nang kaunti, hindi na iyong kamukha dati na one-meter physical distancing o iyong mga lamesa na hiwa-hiwalay,” she said in the Laging Handa briefing.
“Hindi pa po nawawala ang COVID, nandito pa rin siya, so kahit po mag-zero alert level tayo, sundin na lang natin for our own protection [ang health protocols],” she added.
The official said government agencies continue to monitor and inspect establishments’ compliance with protocols, adding that Safety Seal holders violating health standards may have their certification suspended or revoked.
This is amid reports showing that Alert Level 2 guidelines are not observed in several establishments.
“Kaniya-kaniya tayong mga assignments although we can cross inspect rin naman lahat ng establishments dahil tulung-tulong. Baka lang po sa dami nang ini-inspect hindi natin nakikita iyong mga nagmu-monitor,” she said.
The government has yet to announce the new alert levels for March and has yet to decide whether to downgrade Metro Manila to Alert Level 1.
Meanwhile, she said the DTI is monitoring the prices of basic goods amid looming concerns on commodity price hikes due to the ongoing tension in eastern Europe.
There have been no requests yet to raise the suggested retail price (SRP) of basic goods due to fuel, according to Castelo. The last SRP adjustment took effect this January.
Citing Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law provisions amid current fuel price hikes, she said the imposition of excise tax will be suspended once oil price reaches US$80 per barrel.
“Ang government naman ready na harapin kung sakaling tataas pa para ma-cushion din iyong effect nito sa mga ordinaryong tao kagaya natin,” she said. – bny
Watch the full interview here:
