The hard-hit members of the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) will not accept anything other than a rental reprieve rejecting the alleged proposal of the state-run Clark Development Corporation to pay the three-month rental fees in 12 installments.
CILA Chairman Ireneo Alvaro said the Clark investors may be forced to retrench thousands of workers to offset the heavy losses they incurred during lockdown period if CDC rejects their request for a reprieve.
The rental fees comprise the months when the government enforced the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) or March, April and May 2020.
Alvaro said his firm will be forced to retrench workers unless CDC and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) act swiftly to assist all foreign and local investors in the Clark Freeport Zone.
“We are asking for a reprieve to cushion the impact of too much losses,” said Alvaro. “Nagpapasahod po kami ng mga trabahador.”
Alvaro said they were offered to pay the three-month rentals in 12 installments. “We are not asking for the deferral of rental payments but a reprieve,” said Alvaro noting the locators were severely affected by the pandemic.
“We do not want to do retrenchment but we have no choice,” said Alvaro.
“We are asking for a breathing space,” said Alvaro. “Remember the three months (March, April and May) and until now, no income. All expenses to all locators.”
“We just want CDC to at least help us or give us a little share in our plight. When days are fine, they consistently earn from us. Sana this time huwag naman nila asahan na mag earn din sila sa gitna ng bagsak kami lahat,” according to Alvaro.
“Yung 12 months na proposal nila is not a real help, babayaran pa din,” said Alvaro who aired the possibility of other Clark firms closing shop unless granted a reprieve on rentals and other government fees.