Metro Manila mayors to meet doctors over allowing minors to go out

December 2, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano on Wednesday said the Metro Manila Council will meet with the Philippine Pediatric Society first before they allow minors to go outside despite threats from COVID-19.

In a TV interview, Ano said the proposal allowing minors to go out was discussed during their meeting last Sunday.

He said the members of the MMC have yet to submit their resolution and ordinances since local government units (LGUs) will be  responsible for the matter.

“Right now, they are still discussing it because they have separate stands. So our update is they will meet with the Philippine Pediatric Society,” Ano said.

“So we have to wait on what will be the decision of the NCR mayors… Knowing that this is Christmas season it may also be abused,” he added.

If  the to allow minors to go to malls will push through, Ano reminded mall owners to strictly implement the minimum health standards and have safety security marshalls.

“Because if they fail to implement it, that is a ground for closure,” Ano said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday retained general community quarantine (GCQ) status for Metro Manila which is the request of the mayors due to the Christmas season.

During their meeting, Ano said minors are allowed to go outside, even to malls, as long as they are accompanied by their parents and an ordinance is released by the LGUs. Ella Dionisio/DMS