Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro on Tuesday pushed for the reopening of retail stores or small businesses as the national government is set to decide on the next quarantine conditions for the country this week.
“Yung mga palengke, kailangan talaga, maraming umaasa diyan na kabuhayan. Yung mga maliliit na tindahan tingin ko dapat buksan din ‘yan (We need to reopen the markets because many depend on them for their livelihood. The small stores, I think should be allowed to open as well),” Teodoro told DZRH when asked what kind of businesses should the government allow to open if it decides to further ease quarantine restrictions next week.
Teodoro said he wants to ease economic restrictions in Metro Manila after May 14 when the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) Flexi ends.
The mayor said the next quarantine status could allow more economic activity while keeping in place strict health protocols.
“Dapat gawin natin ito na sustainable (We must make this sustainable),” he said.
Teodoro added that local government units should still continue aggressive contact tracing, testing, and treatment.