Duterte has yet to consider Metro-wide curfew — Malacañang

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. Philippine Daily Inquirer file photo / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to approve the proposed curfew hours to be imposed in Metro Manila as earlier discussed in a Metro Manila Council meeting, Malacañang said Saturday.

“In the meantime, the Metro Manila mayors’ recommendation to impose a curfew in Metro Manila is subject to the approval of the President. The President has yet to consider it,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement to reporters.

Panelo also explained that local government units can implement curfew hours within their respective cities only though a signed ordinance.

Earlier, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, spokesman of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said mayors in Metro Manila have agreed to sign an ordinance to impose curfew from 8 a.m. until 5 a.m.

The DILG official said mayors of cities and municipalities of Metro Manila have agreed to issue the ordinance by Monday (March 16).

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said essential travel will only be allowed during the curfew such as going to work, seeking medical treatment, buying essential items and doing official work like government officials and law enforcement units.

Edited by JPV