2 senators facor easing quarantine in Metro

AT LEAST two senators were in favor of easing the quarantine measures implemented in Metro Manila and allow more establishments to resume operations.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said it could be a practical decision to save the economy.

"As long as physical distancing and other protocols are strictly observed and enforced by authorities, I support this latest plan to allow business activities to resume, even on a limited scale," Lacson said.

Lacson added that it is "wise for our policy makers to ease up the restrictions" as the prolonged lockdown is draining the state coffers "like an open faucet" due to dwindling revenue collections of the government.

On the other hand, the senator said the decision on whether to further relax the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting June 1 must be grounded on reliable data.

"I hope the finer details of the decision to ease the quarantine restrictions would be based on sound data, and not just that of the Department of Health, whose limitations in handling data may potentially lead to wrong decisions," he said.

Senator Ralph Recto also supports the opening of more establishments in Metro Manila.

"Yes. We will have to open the economy in a smart manner. Little by little, step by step," he said.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the decision on whether to ease quarantine protocols is up to the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force but reminding them that it should be a science-based decision.