MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos. Image from MMDA / PIO chief Sharon Gentalian
MANILA, Philippines — Only one Metro Manila mayor did not sign the resolution restricting the movement of unvaccinated individuals in the region amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said Tuesday.
Abalos did not disclose the identity of the mayor, saying he has not spoken with the mayor regarding the reason for not signing the resolution.
“Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, may isang alkalde ang hindi pumirma dito. Hindi ko pa siya nakakausap sa kanyang dahilan ukol dito dahil paspasan kami noong ginawa namin ito,” Abalos said during the Laging Handa briefing.
(If I am not mistaken, one mayor did not sign this. I have not spoken to this mayor regarding the reason because we drafted this quickly.)
On Monday, Abalos announced that Metro Manila mayors have agreed to impose stricter measures on individuals who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 after the region was placed under Alert Level 3.
Under Alert Level 3, Abalos said that unvaccinated individuals must remain in their residences at all times except during the procurement of goods and services.
Individual outdoor activities, however, are allowed regardless of vaccination status, Abalos said.
The Metro Manila mayors have likewise decided to prohibit the unvaccinated people in indoor and outdoor dining areas, leisure or social trips to malls, hotels, events venues, sports and country clubs, and similar establishments.
Unvaccinated people are also restricted from domestic travel via public transportation except in procuring goods and services.