The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the largest business organization in the country, expresses its support to the proposal to shift the National Capital Region to Alert Level 2 within the next 14 days and the gradual increase of passenger capacity in public transportation from 70 percent to full capacity starting November 4.
“The easing of restriction to Alert level 2, which will allow most businesses to operate, and restaurants to increase the capacity of allowed diners is a good move, especially now as we enter the Christmas season and there is a surge in consumer spending," PCCI President, Amb. Benedicto Yujuico said in a statement.
"Increasing the capacity of public transport will also support the revitalization of business and the economy," Yujuico added.
Yujuico pointed out that businesses have lost so much money and opportunity for the past two years that it is critical that the economy be fully opened soonest to allow businesses to recover and recoup their losses. Health and safety protocols, he stressed, will continue to be practiced.
While the infection rate has declined, Yujuico urged the acceleration of vaccination throughout the country to help MSMEs in the regions, many of which are in the services industries.
Yujuico noted that other ASEAN countries like Thailand and Singapore have opened up their economies including hotels, travel and tourism, which the Philippines should consider doing to slowly recover and rebuild the economy.