Big biz groups back return-to-office order

Several big business groups and companies in the Philippines expressed their support for the government’s back-to-office push.
In a joint statement, the huge firms said that returning to on-site work will help boost the economy back to its pre-pandemic levels.
The statement was signed by top executives of Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Association, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Go Negosyo, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Constructors Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Resto Ph.
It was also signed by executives from big firms including Ayala Land Inc., Megaworld, Robinsons Land Corp., and SM Prime Holdings Inc.
“Economic momentum has been established and we are now within easier reach of the prosperity we all enjoyed in 2019. We encourage the public to now venture out of their homes while still maintaining safety protocols,” they added.
Moreover, the business groups believe that on-site work could restore displaced industries as it fuels confidence among enterprises.
According to the statement, about 423,075 workers in the construction industry; 464,841 in the accommodation and food services sector; 492,067 transportation and storage workers; and 1.1 million tourism workers were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.