Family reunions also prohibited this Christmas season, says Año

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Mass gatherings, including family reunions, are prohibited during the Christmas season, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Monday night.

In a televised briefing, Año reminded the public that mass gatherings are prohibited as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Katulad ng plano na hindi papayagan ang Christmas party, hindi rin papayagan ang Christmas caroling, walang mass gathering, ‘yung family reunion ay isang considered na mass gathering,” Año said.

(Like the plan to disallow Christmas party, Christmas caroling is also prohibited, no mass gathering, the family reunion is considered mass gathering.)

“Immediate family na lang sana ang mag-celebrate ng Christmas together at kailangan ang minimum health standard ay ipapatupad,” he added.

(Just celebrate Christmas with the immediate family and minimum health standard should be implemented.)

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Año explained why family reunions are considered mass gathering.

“Yes, that’s right. Family reunions are mass gatherings of different families within a clan. Immediate family gathering is allowed,” Año told INQUIRER.net in a text message when asked if such events are also covered by the ban on mass gatherings.

“A family reunion is an occasion of a large gathering when many members of extended families congregate to eat, socialize, and commemorate,” he added.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, head of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), earlier said that traditional caroling ahead of Christmas as well as holiday parties in offices will not be allowed in Metro Manila.

Olivarez also said that the private sector is discouraged from holding Christmas parties, citing the restriction on public gatherings.

JPV