LGUs’ ordinance has power to limit mobility of unvaxxed people — MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) may limit the mobility of individuals unvaccinated against COVID-19 through a local ordinance, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos said Tuesday.

Abalos’ remark came after questions were raised regarding Pasay City’s local order for unvaccinated individuals to remain at home except when obtaining essential goods and services or for work despite being under Alert Level 2.

Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases resolution, intrazonal and interzonal travel will be allowed subject to reasonable restrictions that may be determined by LGUs under Alert Level 2.

“Mayroon pong karapatan ang Pasay o sinomang local government unit na gumawa ng sarili niyang ordinansa,” said Abalos during the Laging Handa briefing.

(Pasay or any LGU has a right to craft their own ordinance.)

Abalos added that Pasay’s local order is valid.

“So such, Pasay’s executive order of the mayor is valid when it comes to the issue of mobility of the unvaccinated,” he further explained through a phone call with INQUIRER.net.

“It should not be stricter than the higher alert level, [as stated in the IATF resolution],” he continued.

Earlier, when the capital region was under Alert Level 3, Metro Manila mayors have agreed to impose stricter measures on unvaccinated individuals due to a surge in COVID-19 infections.

JPV