Poe says gov’t should cushion impact of NCR-wide curfew on poor

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Sunday questioned the government’s preparedness in responding to possible “unforeseen outcomes” on the economy of the Metro Manila-wide curfew following the imposition of the community quarantine due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, said that the implementation of a curfew in the capital region may affect the “delivery of public services, and the general welfare of the people, especially among the poor.”

“How will the government cushion its impact on the livelihood of workers who will be temporarily laid off because of business inactivity? What assistance can the government offer to small businesses which will be forced to shut down operations or operate in reduced hours?” the senator said in a statement.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia earlier announced that local chief executives of Metro Manila agreed to issue a resolution to impose a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting March 15 until April 14 in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

However, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified that local ordinances will have to be signed and passed by the respective local government units of Metro Manila before the said curfew can be enforced.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, claimed that a curfew in the entire capital region needs approval of President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier placed Metro Manila under community quarantine.

Poe then said that government’s Price Council should be alerted to make sure that basic food items and other supplies are readily available at fair value.

“Food and water must be steadily available,” she said.

The limit to purchases should also be imposed not only on alcohol, but also on essential items to avert hoarding and panic buying, Poe added.

The senator further said the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with local government units, should also be ready with relief packs, food, and water for distribution to the poorest of the poor.

“As we seek cooperation from the people in making the curfew work we must also work double-time to allay anxiety and make our citizens feel that the government is in control,” Poe said.

EDV