More LGUs creating ordinances limiting minors' movement outdoors- DILG
By Chito Chavez
More local government units (LGUs) are in the midst of crafting ordinances that set limits on the minors allowed in public places as the relaxed alert level system resulted in the influx of huge crowds that may cause the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) surge.
This was revealed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya in a news briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 17 as the LGUs’ goal is to limit the movement of minors in public places to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
“So, si Secretary (Eduardo) Año po ay kinausap na ang mga mayor at sila ay inatasan na pag-aralan na po itong bagay na ito ( So, Secretary Año talked to mayors and told them to study this matter),’’ Malaya said.
Malaya noted that the DILG supports the LGUs’ call to pass ordinances meant to limit the minors’ movement as some localities that already have these executive orders.
Earlier, President Duterte called on the LGUs to approve ordinances that would ban children aged 12 and below from public spaces as they remain unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Citing as an example, Malaya disclosed that Parañaque City released an executive order stating that 12- to 17-year-old individuals are only allowed in malls, shopping centers and similar establishments as long as they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.
As for minors below 11 years old, Malaya said the Parañaque City government directive stated they could only go to outdoor or alfresco areas accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.
However, Malaya clarified that the ordinance is still pending approval and discussion in the local government.
The DILG spokesperson added that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has created a technical working group (TWG) to scrutinize the current policy on allowing children outside. (Chito A. Chavez)