Ensure workers’ transportation before reopening, employers told

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday advised employers and business owners not to resume operations if they cannot provide transportation or shuttle services to their employees.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the advice since public transportation remains prohibited even if several businesses / sectors were allowed to resume partial operations in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine.

“So kung hindi po kaya ng kumpanya na magbigay ng shuttle o kung walang sasakyan yung kanilang mga empleyado e wag na po muna magbukas,” Roque said in a televised briefing.

(If the companies cannot provide shuttles or their employees have no means of transportation, businesses should not reopen).

“Dahil mas importante na ma-avoid po natin, maiwasan yung second wave na tinatawag. It’s a policy decision po. We want to restart the economy but not at the expense of having a second wave,” he added.

(It is more important to avoid a second wave [of coronavirus infections]. It’s a policy decision. We want to restart the economy but not at the expense of having a second wave.)

Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City will be under modified ECQ from May 16 until May 31.

Under a modified ECQ setup, several businesses may resume partial operations provided that health protocols are observed.

GSG