Neda wants persons aged 5 to 70 to be allowed to go out

MANILA, Philippines — The  National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) has recommended to the President to allow individuals aged five to 70 to go outside their homes, provided that there are proper safeguards.

Acting Neda chief Karl Chua said on Monday during the pre-recorded briefing of President Rodrigo Duterte that further loosening age restrictions, which is subject to discussion with Metro Manila mayors, could be done gradually in increments of five years.

At present, only persons aged 15 to 65 years old are allowed to go out.

Among the eyed safeguards would be to require parents to accompany their children when going out or at least allow them only in more open areas.

Duterte earlier recalled the policy of allowing persons aged 10 to 65 to go out of their homes.

Neda also proposed to allow the conduct of pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas.

In July last year, Duterte approved the proposal of the education sector to conduct limited face-to-face classes in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) where there was a low-risk of coronavirus transmission.

He later canceled his approval due to the threat of the new COVID variant believed to be more infectious.

Chua also proposed that the public transport capacity be expanded from 50% to 75% so that more Filipinos could get to work. Neda also proposed to increase the operations of inter-province buses.

He also recommended that the government give additional active transport support, such as bike lanes.

Chua has proposed to put the Philippines under a less restrictive modified general community quarantine to revive its ailing economy.

[atm]