Acting Presidential Spokesman Karlo Nograles clarified that crafting of ordinances prohibiting minors at a certain age and those unvaccinated from entering malls is still up to the local government units (LGUs) depending on their areas' situation amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This was stressed by the Cabinet Secretary during his first press briefing as Duterte's spokesman Tuesday, Nov. 16 when sought for clarifications on the pronouncement of the President in his recent public address where he asked LGUs to come up with such ordinance amid the lenient alert level in some areas in the country.
Nograles said the call of the President was "very clear."
"So, ang panawagan po ni Pangulong Duterte is for LGUs to consider passing ordinances. So, depende sa lugar, depende sa sitwasyon, sa mga circumstances doon sa kanilang lugar ay tingnan nila kung ano ang pinakamabuti para sa kanilang local jurisdictions at base na rin sa siyensya kung ano yung mga in-aadvise sa kanila ng health experts (The call of the President is for LGUs to consider passing ordinances. It depends on the area, situation, and circumstances of their local jurisdictions. They are the one to decide on what to do based on Science and what experts say)," Nograles said.
He further said that it is still under the discretion of the LGUs on whether or not to come up with ordinances that would limit the mobility of children and the unvaccinated in their areas.
"So, it will depend on the LGUs and kami naman sa IATF ay merong (and we in the IATF will have a) meeting tomorrow. So, let's see if it will be part of the agenda," he said.
The call of the President came after the appeal of the Department of Health (DOH) to be mindful about bringing kids outside, especially in crowded places.
The Health department stressed that the reason behind allowing kids to go outside amid the deescalation of community restrictions is to give them an opportunity to exercise and interact with other kids, not to be brought to crowded places.
During his public address Monday night, Nov. 15, Duterte said that "we cannot allow those below 12 years old or those getting or still unvaccinated to be exposed to the risk of getting COVID-19 in public places."
"Again, to the parents and guardians of minors who are unvaccinated, please be mindful of the risk. Part of caring for them is thinking about their safety. I hope no one among our children will get COVID-19," Duterte added.