Pampanga capitol denies issuing order suspending Christmas activities

The big Christmas lantern displayed in front of the Pampanga capital’s city hall. (Photo courtesy of the City of San Fernando government)

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga––The provincial government in this city disowned posts circulating on social media stating that Gov. Dennis Pineda had issued an executive order (EO) prohibiting Christmas-related activities and directing children below 15 years old to stay home during the holidays.

In a public advisory on its Facebook page before noon on Friday, Dec. 24, the provincial government said the executive order circulated on
social media was issued by Pineda last year.

“Paglilinaw po ng opisina (ni Governor Pineda) na ang nasabing post ay luma na at hindi na po epektibo sa pagsalubong ng Pasko at bagong taon ngayong 2021,” it clarified.

The provincial government urged Pampangueños to be intelligent and observant and not believe “fake news” and “disinformation” on social media. It said all official announcements of Pineda would be done via the provincial information office’s Facebook page.

On Dec. 23, 2020, Pineda issued EO no. 32 ordering children below 16 years old, persons above 65 years old, and those with comorbidities “to stay home at all times” from Dec. 25 to 27.

Pineda also prohibited Christmas caroling, inter-household events, parties and reunions, and related activities as a measure against the spread of COVID-19.

This year, Pineda did not issue an order limiting the movement of people during the holidays, unlike in the highly urbanized Angeles City, where Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. issued an order disallowing Christmas gatherings like parties and reunions.

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