Malacañang believes that the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the Greater Manila Area will have minimal effect on the economy as it is going to coincide with Holy Week.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after President Duterte approved placing Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under ECQ from March 29 to April 4.
In his press briefing on Saturday, Roque said the government decided to impose the ECQ during Holy Week because this is the time when most businesses will be closed.
"Tinyempo na po natin sa Semana Santa kasi talaga namang wala pong trabaho ng Maundy Thursday, Good Friday at saka Saturday/Sunday (We timed it with the Holy Week because there is no work during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday)," he said.
"So minimal po iyong magiging interference kumbaga doon sa ating mga trabaho (So there will only be minimal interference in work)," he added.
Roque said the economy will not be greatly affected even if businesses will be open from Monday to Wednesday.
"Alam nating nagli-leave diyan kasi ito iyong traditional na nagbabakasyon ang mga Pilipino (Many people will be going on leave during that time because traditionally, this is when Filipinos go on vacation)," he said.
"Sa tingin ko po, bagama’t (To me, even though) it will have an effect, it will have a minimal effect po sa ating ekonomiya (in the economy)," he added.
The ECQ, however, limited the movement of people and closed down non-leisure establishments, prompting vacation plans to be canceled.
Meanwhile, Roque said that the government is doing everything in its power to keep the economy afloat and to keep people from going hungry.
"Lahat po ay ginagawa natin para buksan ang ekonomiya dahil alam natin na ang kasagutan sa kagutuman ay pagkakaroon ng trabaho (We are doing everything to open the economy because we know that work is the answer to hunger)," he said.
During the ECQ, only essential stores like supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, hardware stores will remain open. Restaurants will remain operational but only for take-out and delivery services.