Opening of cinemas, amusement arcades concerning –Robredo

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said that opening cinemas and amusement arcades in general community quarantine areas was concerning given that mayors were not consulted on the matter.

“Medyo kontrobersiyal siya kasi nabasa natin iyong statement noong mga Metro Manila mayors, nag-a-appeal, actually, iyong mga Metro Manila mayors. Ito, ang sabi nila hindi sila nakonsulta,” Robredo said on her radio program.

“Cause for concern ito. So hindi ko alam kung ano talaga iyong science behind it,” she added.

National Capital Region mayors are planning to ask the government to reconsider its directive to allow the reopening of traditional cinemas in areas under general community quarantine.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allowed several industries or activities to expand, if not resume operations.

Among the establishments allowed to resume operations were:

• driving schools

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• traditional cinemas
• video and interactive game arcades
• libraries, archives, museums at cultural centers
• meetings, incentives conferences, and exhibitions
• limited social events
• accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism
• tourist attractions such as parks, theme parks, natural sites, and historical landmarks

While acknowledging that the easing of restrictions was an attempt to revive the economy, Robredo argued that keeping the COVID-19 transmission numbers under control would be the safer path to take.

“Iyong pinakamaigi talagang paraan para mabuksan iyong ekonomiya, asikasuhin na hindi tumataas iyong transmission, iyong number of cases, iyong supply natin ng vaccine,” she said.

“Siguraduhin na kasi iyon talaga iyong makakapagpabilis sa pagbukas ng economy,” she added. — DVM, GMA News