For businesses, the remaining 45 days of 2021 months may be their last chance this year to recoup part of their losses.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said shifting the National Capital Region (NCR) to Alert Level 2 within the next 14 days and allowing operations of transportation to full capacity starting November 4 will fully open the economy that will help businesses recover.
“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,” said Benedicto Yujuico, PCCI president.
In a statement, Yujuico said increasing the capacity of public transport will also support the revitalization of business and the economy.
Yujuico said the Philippines should consider the further reopening of hotels, travel and tourism, like what other countries in Asean like Thailand and Singapore to slowly recover and rebuild the economy.
He said businesses have lost so much money and opportunity for the past two years that it is critical that the economy be fully opened soonest while still strictly observing health and safety protocols.
While the infection rate has declined, Yujuico urged the acceleration of vaccination throughout the country to help micro, small and medium enterprises in the regions, many of which are in the service industries.
In a separate statement over the weekend, presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said restaurants, salons, spas, cinemas, gyms, amusement parks, hotels, and airlines now look forward to the further downgrading of Metro Manila to Alert Level 2 as this would mean more capacity and more income that could help them recoup their losses during the pandemic.
NCR is currently under Alert Level 3 until November 14 where indoor businesses such as restaurants and personal care services are allowed 30 percent capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 50 percent outdoor regardless of vaccination status, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.
If Metro Manila is placed under Alert Level 2, indoor establishments will be allowed 50 percent indoor capacity, on top of the 20 percent additional capacity now that the area has a vaccination rate of more than 70 percent.
An indoor business establishment is given an additional 10 percent if it carries a safety seal. Outdoor venues are allowed to operate at 70 percent capacity, regardless of vaccination status of customers.
