Manila City imposes 8 pm to 5 am curfew

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Sunday announced that he has signed the ordinance imposing a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the capital city amid the threat of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“During the curfew hours, no person will be allowed in the streets, commercial establishments, recreation centers, malls or other areas outside the immediate vicinity of their residence,” Moreno said.

According to Moreno, residents may only be allowed to go out during the curfew hours in cases of emergency, and for purposes of buying basic essential commodities and fulfilling work-related activities.

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Individuals who will violate the ordinance will be fined at least P5,000, and/or imprisonment of not more than one month, the mayor added.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia earlier announced that local chief executives of Metro Manila agreed to issue a resolution to impose a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting March 15 until April 14.

However, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified that local ordinances will have to be signed and passed by the respective local government units of Metro Manila before the curfew can be enforced.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo also said that a curfew in the entire capital region needs approval of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Curfews may be imposed through the issuance of local ordinances, duly approved by the city council and signed by mayors. It need not pass through Malacañang and be approved by the President.

Duterte has placed the entire capital region under lockdown from March 15 until April 14 amid the spike in coronavirus cases.

EDV