Metro Manila split on expansion of age group allowed outside

Metro Manila mayors were split on the latest directive of the national government which allowed more people to leave their homes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Katrina Son’s Sunday report on “24 Oras Weekend,” Mayor Toby Tiangco would retain the 24-hour curfew for minors in Navotas City.

“Siguro dapat po tayo matuto sa ibang bansa na nung nag luwag e tumaas ‘yung kaso… Sa Navotas po ang dahilan kung bakit hindi pa kami ready na magluwag ngayon is because gusto po namin na 'pag nagkuwag tayo, safe talaga,” said Tiangco.

“Walang saysay ‘yung patakaran na hindi puwede pumasok ‘yung mga bata na 15 to 17 years old tapos pupuwede naman sila lumabas para maglakwatsa. Hindi po consistent ‘yung patakaran,” he added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier allowed persons aged 15 to 65 years old to go outside.

In San Juan City, Mayor Francis Zamora eased the curfew from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. provided that residents who left their homes were healthy.

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar also threw her support behind the IATF’s directive, noting that it was necessary to boost the economy.

“We remind our constituents that strict health protocols must be followed and those who suffer from comorbidity are still not allowed to go out of their homes,” she added.

The Philippines has tallied 356,618 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday afternoon. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News