Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stressed Wednesday that minors are still prohibited to enter the malls amid the general community quarantine (GCQ) status in Metro Manila until the mayors have approved ordinances that will allow them to do so.
(PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Explaining his point, Año noted that the Metro Manila mayors are still discussing the issue as they would need to confer with the Philippine Pediatric Society as well as other health experts before coming up with a resolution.
"Noong Sunday nga lumabas 'yung proposal nila. Ang sabi natin, gawin ninyo ang inyong resolution at ordinansa kasi ang mga LGU talaga ang mayroong responsibilidad diyan. Sa ngayon nagsasagawa pa sila ng pulong dahil hati kasi ang mayors ng Metro Manila at kailangan isa lang ang stand nila (They came out with their proposal (mayors) last Sunday. I told them to prepare the resolution and ordinance since the LGUs (local government units) really have the responsibility regarding that. At present they are still conducting meetings since the Metro Manila mayors have varying opinions on the matter where a uniform stand is necessary),’’ Año said in an interview over GMA News.
Discussing the update, Año said the Metro Manila mayors will meet with the PPS to clarify the pros and cons of allowing minors to enter the malls.
Based on the discussions, Año said the Metro Manila mayors will have to reach a consensus whether to push through with it or not.
In the event that minors of certain ages are allowed entry in the malls with their guardians or parents, Año said the DILG can adopt that measure.
In a briefing with the President on Monday night, Año said minors could already visit malls provided that they are accompanied by their parents and in compliance with the guidelines set in the various ordinances of the concerned LGUs.
He reiterated that as of the moment minors are still banned from entering the malls until the time the LGUs have issued their respective ordinances.