NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has confirmed the lifting of curfew in the province on June 1, 2022.
"We will go back to normal setup like the five-day work week and lifting of curfew," Lacson said on the sidelines of the International Day of Action for Women's Health celebration at the Capitol's Social Hall Thursday, May 26, 2022.
He said that the local government units (LGUs) are also backing the move to lift the curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
"This is also due to the clamor, especially from the business sector, that it's about time that we lift the curfew," the governor also said.
The curfew was implemented at the height of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic to minimize the movement of the people for safety and stop the spread of the virus.
Lacson earlier said that he has consulted the mayors about the matter.
"I'd like to think that all our policies contributed in terms of lowering the number of cases of Covid-19, but I know we can do more especially through vaccination," he said.
Meanwhile, the official said he has discussed with Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang the latest number of Covid-19 cases in the province which are now down to 19.
The governor said a retest is necessary as authorities have been warning of the possible increase of Covid-19 cases two weeks after the election day.
In a bid to accelerate the economic recovery efforts, outgoing Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia also lifted the curfew in the city effective Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
Leonardia, in Executive Order No. 25 he issued, said the curfew hours from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. have already been lifted, allowing the local government to take steps to further revitalize business activities and promote consumer spending.
"In line with its recovery plans, the city finds it imperative that the movements of people during the new normal should be eased and be made less constricted," Leonardia explained.
As this developed, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Executive Director Frank Carbon expressed jubilation, citing that 30 to 40 percent of the businesses in the city operates at night time and others during the wee hours.
Carbon said that hopefully the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will also lift the curfew for other localities.
This is necessary as at least 30 percent of the economy of the province is being propelled by business outside Bacolod City, the business leader added.