Concepcion warns Alert Level 3 expansion hinders economic recovery

Presidential Adviser Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III warns that expanding Alert Level 3 areas will hamper the country's economic recovery.

Concepcion notes consumer reluctance to go out and dine under stricter quarantine protocols, impacting businesses negatively.

Metro Manila remains under Alert Level 3 until January 31 due to rising COVID-19 cases, despite business groups lobbying for its maintenance to sustain economic activities.

Taxi driver Renato Torrenueva reports steeper losses in January compared to December, fearing further deterioration if alert levels escalate.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon suggests focusing on healthcare aspects like medicine availability to avoid hospital overload, allowing the current alert level to remain.