Bacolod eases travel rules despite rising COVID cases

Bacolod City's mayor, Evelio Leonardia, has eased travel restrictions despite rising COVID-19 cases in an effort to balance health and economic concerns.

The city is currently averaging 93 daily cases with a healthcare utilization rate of 55 percent.

Leonardia believes that as long as safety protocols are maintained, the city can continue to function normally.

He also noted that omicron appears less severe than delta and people are moving around more freely compared to earlier in the pandemic.

The business community supports this decision, seeing it as crucial for economic recovery.

Frank Carbon from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed support for Leonardia's move, hoping it encourages other local government units to open up.