During his commentary show Counterpoint, Panelo denied that the IATF-EID is not consulting various sectors, including the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) regarding quarantine protocols nationwide amid the pandemic.
This, after Senator Grace Poe said MSMEs are not aware of the changing and shifting quarantine restrictions.
“Mali ka diyan (You are wrong),” Panelo told Poe. “Walang abrupt decisions ang IATF ng mga pagsarado ng negosyo. Pinagaaralan pong lahat iyan. Maingat nga eh kasi maraming eksperto dun, maraming mausisa (IATF has no abrupt decisions on the temporary closure of businesses. That has been carefully studied. It is careful because its members are experts and inquisitive).”
Panelo said the IATF-EID always considers the industries that would be badly hit by the strict quarantine measures.
“Hindi pupuwedeng pikit mata kapag magpapatupad ng mga patakaran o programa ([The IATF-EID] would not make policies or programs with eyes closed),” he said.
Several areas in the country, including Metro Manila, have been placed under the strictest enhanced community quarantine to stop the further transmission of Covid-19 and its other variants of concern, including the highly contagious Delta variant.
Poe has filed Senate Resolution 817 asking appropriate Senate committees to look into the impact of quarantine protocols on MSMEs, especially the food and beverage industry.
Under the resolution, Poe emphasized the need to establish a roadmap for the MSMEs in the longer term, especially for those forced to shut down due to lack of sales.
Citing data from the Department of Trade and Industry, Poe said around 10 percent of MSMEs have been forced to cease their operations since June this year.
She also raised the possibility that the number of MSMEs that would be forced to shut down might increase to 16 percent because of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.
Poe told the IATF-EID to be “inclusive” in their representation by including MSMEs in the decision-making process. (PNA)
