SEVEN local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have already passed ordinances for the implementation of curfew and the temporary closure of shopping malls in their respective cities on Monday (March 16) amid the coronavirus 2019(Covid-19) outbreak.
The cities of Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, San Juan, Las Piñas and Navotas adopted ordinances for the implementation of an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew as Metro Manila was placed under community quarantine on Sunday.
However, supermarkets, pharmacies and banks shall remain open.
Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said she saw the need to sign Executive Order No. 10. on Sunday after the city recorded a total number of 14 patients under investigation (PUIs) as of 4 pm.
Binay also encouraged her constituents to practice the “Ocho-ocho”.
“This is not the famous dance or song but to help us remember that 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., we should disinfect our house,” she said, as she encouraged owners of buildings and other establishments to do the same.
Meanwhile, Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos said those caught violating curfew hours, as stated in Ordinance No. 760, S–2020, will be penalized.
“Any person found violating the Ordinance shall suffer the fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) and /or imprisonement of up to 1 week . . . ,” the Ordinance read.
On the other hand, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced the temporary closure of shopping malls in the city starting Sunday (March 15).
“This is to ensure the safety of everyone amid the threat of Covid-19,” Zamora said in an advisory Saturday night.
The Metro Mayors Council held an emergency meeting on Saturday and agreed to draft their ordinances to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“Mayors of NCR, acting in unity with the National Government, in order to preserve and protect the lives and health of their constituents, do hereby declare and promulgate, acting as one body in the Metro Manila Council, STRONGLY RECOMMEND to all Local Legislative Councils of the NCR to issue ordinances for CURFEW from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am subject to their necessary guidelines as they deem necessary,” the resolution of the Metro Mayors Council (MMC) stated.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the legal basis for the curfew are the ordinances of each of the 17 cities and a municipality of Metro Manila.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza