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

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has recommended to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious (IATF) the reduction of curfew hours, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

According to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, all 17 Metro Manila mayors are pushing for shorter curfew hours except fror the City of Navotas (under Mayor Toby Tiangco), which will remain from 8PM to 5AM.

Aside from that, the mayors are also seeking for NCR residents aged 18 to 65 years old to be permitted to go outside their residences, and that church capacity be increased to 30 percent.

The said recommendations were submitted Sunday evening during the MMC meeting presided by MMDA chair Danilo Lim. The MMC is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.

“These three major recommendations are dependent on the approval of the IATF,” Garcia explained.

Garcia explained that the adjustment on the age of those permitted to be out of residences while still on lockdown is expected to help boost economy.

While such recommendations are submitted, Garcia sought for the public’s understanding and to still follow health and safety protocols against COVID-19 and avoid leisure travel.

Further, Garcia said that the mayors have also endorsed the prolonging of general community quarantine protocols until end of year. To note, NCR is still under GCQ until October 31.

“As the number of COVID-19 cases go down, we open the businesses gradually,” said Garcia. 

Relatedly, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to open more jeepney routes. Such move would augment the current available mobility options for the commuters.

The DOTr has allowed the resumption of transport services such as the TNVS and motorcycle taxis.

Photo/s from Ruben D. Manahan IV

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