Biz groups oppose lockdown, says gov’t passes responsibility to its citizens
Local business groups expressed opposition on the new mandated lockdown restrictions, saying that “the economy cannot sustain another lockdown even for just a few weeks.”
In addition, Employers Confederation of the Philippines president Sergio Ortiz-Luis said the Philippine government “has abdicated its responsibility to protect the people and to provide for their needs, notwithstanding how the poor can fend for their own given the very limited job opportunities which will be further limited by the curfew and cutback on working hours.”
Ortiz-Luis added that another lockdown means suspension of jobs, and suggested that the government “should find another way to deal with this.”
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry shared the same worrying concerns. Due to the limited working hours due to the lockdowns, it may force businesses to temporarily close and furlough workers.
PCCI chairman emeritus Francis Chua said some laborers were even planning to go on strike, so “we appeal to the government, to secretary Ramon Lopez and secretary Silvestre Bello III to come up with a moratorium on strikes, especially at this most difficult time.”
