(FILE) MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos
MANILA, Philippines — All 17 Metro Manila mayors unanimously approved the resolution restricting the movement of those unvaccinated against COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid the rising number of cases, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified Wednesday.
The clarification was issued after MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos initially reported that one Metro Manila mayor did not sign the resolution.
“The [MMDA] wishes to reiterate that the resolution restricting the movement of unvaccinated individuals in the National Capital Region, after the region was placed under the Alert Level 3 due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country, was unanimously approved by Metro Manila’s 17 mayors,” the MMDA said in a statement.
A copy of the resolution shared to the media Tuesday showed the absence of Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro’s signature on the document.
In its clarification, the MMDA said Teodoro only “withheld to affix his signature on the resolution immediately” to study the resolution further.
“One of the staff of the Metro Manila Council Secretariat erroneously reported to MMDA General Manager Romando Artes that one Metro Manila mayor, particularly the local chief executive of Marikina City, did not sign the resolution,” the MMDA said.
“To clarify, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro withheld to affix his signature on the resolution immediately as he wanted to study its context thoroughly,” it added.
Abalos earlier 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 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.