By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The head of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) believes the seven-day travel moratorium for Iloilo and Negros sought by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has a low chance of getting the approval of the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF).

MBCCI Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon pointed out the reason why the NIATF will very likely not approve Treñas’ request is because the government can no longer afford to take care of the Filipino people who are suffering of poverty due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Treñas’ request was only approved on the regional level, sea trips between Bacolod City, Iloilo City and Dumangas are still continuing normally.

The suspension of trips between the two islands will only likely take effect if the NIATF approves the travel moratorium.

Earlier, Treñas sought for the moratorium due to the rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in his city. The city mayor’s request was later approved by the Regional IATF and the resolution was forwarded to the NIATF for approval.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, meanwhile, backed Treñas’ proposal pointing out the resolution would mean “non-essential travel will not be allowed.”/DGB, WDJ