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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Metro mayors say age 15 should be new minimum under GCQ

Metro mayors say age 15 should be new minimum under GCQ

Published Feb 16, 2021 11:47 am

Metro Manila mayors are in favor of lowering the minimum age restriction under general community quarantine (GCQ) from the current 18 years old to 15 years old.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

This was bared by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur in a press conference Monday, Feb. 15, following a meeting last week with the Metro Manila Council or MMC.

"For the record, we had a meeting last Thursday (Feb. 11) about this issue at yun nga, ang unang pinag-usapan is about the age. Para sa amin, pinaka-importante yung edad (the first thing we discussed was about the age. For us, the age restriction was the most important thing)," Abalos said.

He said the current age of Filipinos allowed to go out and about in public under GCQ is 18 to 65 years old.

Abalos said they were given "presentations" of lowering the minimum age to as low as five years old, but this was rejected by the local chief executives.

"We opposed this, sabi namin mas mabuti siguro gradual muna (we said it would be better to do it gradually) and we were given time to consult with the mayors," said the MMDA chief, who didn't specify where the presentations came from.

"Lahat ng mayors nagsabi na ang edad sa Metro Manila kung pwede from 18 ay maging 15, to 65. I think halos lahat nag-agree dito (All the mayors suggested that the allowed age for Metro Manila be 15 to 65, from the current minimum of 18. I think almost all mayors agreed to this)," Abalos said.

"Importante kasi sa mga bawat alkalde na magkaisa ang kalakhang Maynila. Kasi magkakatabi lang 'yan eh. Hindi pwedeng iba-iba polisiya, baka kumalat ang sakit (It's important for each mayor to observe unity in Metro Manila. Because their cities are adjacent with each other. Having different policies might lead to the further spread of the disease), he said, referring to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The MMC is composed of the 17 mayors of Metro Manila or the National Capital Region. The council serves as the policy-making body of the MMDA.

Abalos said during the presser that he would meet with the MMC again that same evening. There is as yet no word as to what transpired in the meeting.

Last Feb. 1, the Inter-Agency Task Force started allowing individuals aged 10-15 to go out in public places for non-essential travel if they are in areas under modified GCQ (GCQ). MGCQ is a step below GCQ in terms of strictness.

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