MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila mayors rejected calls to allow children aged 17 years old and below to step out of their residences and visit shopping malls while the general community quarantine (GCQ)is still in effect, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) bared Thursday.
“Unanimous po. 17-0 mayors will not allow minors to go out,” MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in an online press conference.
The decision was made after the Metro Manila mayors consulted the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS).
“I am not a doctor. In layman’s term, kinausap ko si Doctor [Rosario] Eusebio [of PPS] , ang minor mataas ang resistensiya niyan so asymptomatic iyan. Mahirap i-control ang mga bata, mahawa sila at pag-uwi nila sa bahay pwede mahawa ang lolo niyan so iyon ang iniiwasan,” Garcia explained, when asked about the opinion of the PDS.
(Doctor Eusebio said minors have a strong immune system so they could be infected but asymptomatic. It is difficult to control kids. So, if they contract COVID-19, they may spread the disease to other family members at home.)
File photo shows a mall sale signage in Manila. Metro Manila mayors voted unanimously to bar the entry of children aged 17 and below in shopping malls while the general community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is in effect. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A.R EYES
Garcia later clarified that minors can go out but only for essential services and exercise. He said it is up to local government units to enforce laws or orders for minors.
“Actually pinayagan na ang exercise. Essential iyan, iyong exercise. It is subject to the interpretation of LGUs. Pero ang exercise allowed iyan, ang hindi lang pwede ay iyong contact sports such as basketball,” said Garcia.
(Exercise is permitted for minors. It is subject to the interpretation of LGUs. But exercise is allowed as long as it is non-contact sports.)
Penalties against minors who will violate rules is also up to the LGUs, Garcia noted.
On Tuesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año clarified that minors are banned inside malls unless local government units pass an ordinance that would allow children to visit the said establishments.