By Joseph Almer Pedrajas
Caloocan residents will have to pay P3,000 fine or face one-month imprisonment or both if they would be seen in public places during the new curfew hours passed by the local government over threats of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
During the one-month quarantine of the whole Metro Manila, city residents will not be allowed to go outside their houses from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Under Ordinance No. 0849 S. 2020, which was passed by the city council Sunday, any person is prohibited from “loitering, wandering, strolling or remaining or stay in public places without legal or justifiable reasons.”
They might only be allowed to be seen outside if they are going to work or returning home, delivering foods and medicines and buying basic necessities, or if they are public transportation drivers.
The P1,000 fine or one-month imprisonment will be imposed on those first offenders. While for the second time violators, they will have to pay P5,000 or face one-month imprisonment, or both.
The said ordinance was passed as the city government “deems it necessary to impose the said measure to prevent and/or contain the widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the city,” in compliance with the order of President Duterte.