Gov’t told to cut red tape at checkpoints

THE government should cut red tape and facilitate the movement of people and goods at checkpoints as companies reopen under relaxed lockdown rules, an employer’s group said on Sunday.

“When they come out with rules, they should consider the limitations of companies and employees,” Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr., president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, said by telephone.

He said many companies are unlikely to resume full operations while red tape remains problematic.

The Trade and Labor departments on Friday released guidelines for workplace safety and health for businesses that are allowed to operate under the lockdown.

Health measures include requiring the use of face masks, temperature checks, proper sanitation and discouraging eating at communal areas.

Companies should also enforce alternative work arrangements such as work hour shifts and create workstation layouts that help maintain physical distancing.

Mr. Ortiz-Luis said implementing safety controls would mean a “calibrated” opening of business operations.

“With safety distancing observed, we don’t expect full-blast operations, but calibrated depending on the capacity of the company,” he said, adding that the government should continue to consult with the business sector.

The so-called enhanced community quarantine was extended in areas including Metro Manila up to May 15, while areas with lower risk for coronavirus disease 2019 infections were placed under a general community quarantine.

Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday said more mobile checkpoints would be set up in areas under the general community quarantine. — Jenina P. Ibañez