Makati gov’t warns village vs allowing outdoor exercise

MANILA, Philippines — An upscale subdivision in Makati has rescinded its earlier policy allowing its residents to go outside to exercise, following a warning from the city government to follow enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols.

In an advisory dated May 2 obtained by the Inquirer, Bel-Air Village Association Inc. said it had received a cease and desist order from the Office of the City Administrator regarding its “Revised Policy on Walking, Jogging and Biking Within Bel-Air Village for Exercise Purposes.”

“While we believe that our recent policy provides sufficient safeguards to prevent the possible transmission of the coronavirus, which is what the national guidelines seek to prevent, we have to abide with the city administrator’s letter until we are able to convince the authorities that we have not violated any law, regulations or guidelines,” it added.

Clear rules

Makati legal chief Michael Camiña confirmed the order, noting the ECQ rules were “clear.”“The only persons allowed to leave their residences are those who will go out to buy essential supplies and those who are exempted because of their work or functions. Recreational activities are not among the list of exemptions,” he told the Inquirer.