MAP backs easing of age restrictions

MANILA, Philippines — Business group Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is backing the easing of age restrictions of individuals allowed to go out of their homes to spur consumer spending this Christmas season.

“We support the proposal of DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) Secretary Ramon Lopez to further reopen the economy this Christmas season through, among others, the relaxation of the age range (currently 15 to 65) who are allowed to go out to enable consumer spending, investor confidence and economic rebound,” MAP president Francis Lim said in a statement yesterday.

To continue to promote saving lives and the economy, he said the public should also continue to observe the so-called seven commandments against COVID-19.

The seven commandments are wearing masks, wearing face shields, no talking and eating in public transport and similar settings, adequate ventilation, frequent and proper disinfection, isolation of symptomatic and COVID positives and appropriate physical distancing.

“These seven commandments are essential in regaining public confidence in our ability to contain COVID-19 while reopening our economy and thereby minimize the suffering of our people from the pandemic,” Lim said.

Earlier, Lopez said the government is looking at the possibility of further relaxing the age restriction for those who can go out this Christmas season to boost consumer spending.

Last month, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases adjusted the age restrictions of those allowed to go out to 15 to 65 years old.

Previously, the age group of individuals who can go out set by the government is 21 to 60 years old.

Last month, the DTI eased control measures in malls by allowing the establishments to set the air conditioning to cooler temperatures, provide free WiFi services and to have sales and promo events to encourage consumer spending.

The government has been pushing for the reopening of the economy to help bring back jobs and recover from the impact of the pandemic.