Metro Manila mayors agree to lift curfew starting tomorrow

The unified curfew hours in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be lifted starting tomorrow.

Based on Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 21-25, the lifting of the said regulation will complement “the adjustment of mall operating hours to provide both mall goers and mall employees ample time to get home.”

“The lifting of curfew hours in Metro Manila will help spread out influx of people coming to and from malls to further reduce the risk of virus’ transmission,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and overall MMC Chairman Benhur Abalos said.

Approved last November 2, the resolution stated that the move will be subject to existing ordinances on the curfew hours of persons below 18 years old and the continued observance and enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and minimum public health standards like wearing of face shields and face masks, and observing social distancing.

The same resolution stated that mall owners have agreed to adjust their operating hours by opening until 11 p.m., instead of the usual 10 p.m. to help alleviate traffic in Metro Manila especially as the Christmas season is approaching.

“The Metro Manila mayors have agreed to lift the curfew hours in the metropolis,” the overall MMC chair explained. "But we will respect the implementation of curfew on minors based on existing ordinances of the respective LGUs."

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Manila Development Authority

Also read:

MMDA: Curfew hours still from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Metro Manila Council: Curfew starting May 1 is 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Metro Manila mayors seek shorter curfew hours, GCQ until end of 2020