Health is priority, but govt must also do more for economy

ON Monday, two major economic monitors again cut their growth forecasts for the Philippines, which should not have come as a surprise to anyone, but what may seem extraordinary at this point is that anyone is still optimistic that there will be actual economic growth of any sort this year. As much as we would like to share that optimism, we believe that it is entirely misplaced.

While protecting public health is — and absolutely must remain — the top priority, the government and the country as a whole should be preparing for what appears to be an inevitable economic recession, one that may be painfully deep. It is important to give some thought to this longer-term issue now so that the great amount of effort and resources that will be directed toward bringing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) epidemic under control will not have been spent in vain.