Parañaque bans face-concealing headgear to boost public safety
Photo courtesy of Paranaque PIO
The city government of Parañaque has banned the wearing of face-concealing headgear inside establishments and public places when a person is not actively riding a motorcycle.
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the ban is provided under City Ordinance No. 2025-30 (69), Series of 2025, otherwise known as the “Anti-Face Concealment Ordinance of Parañaque City.”
Olivarez explained that the ordinance, authored by Councilor Pablo Olivarez II, aims to enhance public safety and prevent crimes, following reports that suspects have used motorcycle helmets and other face-concealing gear to hide their identities while committing robberies, assaults, and other criminal acts.
Under the ordinance, it is unlawful to wear motorcycle helmets, bonnets, ski masks, balaclavas, full-tint face shields, construction helmets, industrial masks, or other similar face-concealing items inside commercial, government, educational, financial, and other establishments open to the public.
The ban also applies to individuals who are away from their motorcycles, including those who have alighted and are at least three meters away from a stopped or parked motorcycle in areas such as roads, sidewalks, alleys, parking areas, markets, parks, and designated crime-prone zones.
Olivarez said the Parañaque City Police, barangay tanods, and the Traffic and Parking Management Office are tasked with enforcing the ordinance.
Exemptions are granted for medical or health-related use during officially declared public health emergencies, recognized religious or cultural practices, and motorcyclists who are in actual transit on public roads and highways.
The mayor added that violators will face the following penalties: a fine of ₱1,500 and a written warning for a first offense; ₱3,000 and/or community service of not less than eight hours for a second offense; and a fine of ₱5,000 and/or possible imprisonment of up to 15 days, at the discretion of the court, for subsequent offenses.
Olivarez further noted that violations committed in connection with other crimes will carry additional penalties under the Revised Penal Code or applicable special penal laws.