Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo urged the government to further open the economy following the decision to extend the implementation of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until September 15
Quimbo made the call on Wednesday, September 8, following reports that inflation rate rose to 4.9 percent last August with food, particularly pork, vegetables, and fish, attributed for the said increase.
"Sa kabila ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, sarado pa rin ang ekonomiya. Di na magiging sapat ang pagkain lalo na para sa mga no work, no pay workers na umaabot ng 6 million sa NCR Plus areas," the congresswoman said.
Quimbo expressed her support for the initial plan of the government to enforce granular lockdowns in high-risk areas which will provide safe spaces for employees who need to return to their work.
"Kung milyun-milyon na ang bakunado at ine-enforce nang mabuti ang minimum health standards, buksan na po ang ekonomiya at payagang mag-hanapbuhay ang ordinaryong Pilipino," the lawmaker said.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Tuesday, September 7, that the National Capital Region will remain under MECQ until September 15 or until the implementation of the general community quarantine with alert level system.