MANILA BANS WEARING OF HEADGEAR THAT COVERS THE FACE IN GOV’T OFFICES, PUBLIC PLACES

WEARING of any face-concealing headgear is now banned inside government, commercial, and public establishments, as well as in public places in Manila.

According to the Manila Public Information Office the order was based on Ordinance No. 9134 or the Anti-Balaclava and Other Face Ordinance in the City of Manila which  prohibits the wearing of helmets, face masks, balaclavas, caps, hoodies, and tinted visors while in government offices and public areas in the city.

The ordinance also prohibits riders and passengers from wearing face-covering headgear when not on a motorcycle or while in standby mode in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, markets, parks, and parking lots.

A rider or passenger is also not allowed to wear headgear while within three meters of the motorcycle to perform simple tasks such as motorcycle repair or buying something from a store.

The ordinance also states that anybody can also be penalized for refusal to remove headgear when instructed by law officers, barangay officials, security guards, or other government authorities.

Meanwhile, among the exemptions include: during public health emergencies when the Department of Health (DOH) or an inter-agency task force recommends or mandates the wearing of face masks; riders in motion or drivers or passengers still on the motor and temporarily stopped due to traffic lights, road signs, or stopped by traffic enforcers.

Also allowed to wear face-covering headgear are law enforcers who are on official duty, especially in emergency or hot pursuit operations; those with serious illnesses or comorbidities who are required to wear face masks; and those with religious exemptions, including those who wear turbans or any headgear that is part of their faith.

The Manila PIO said violators of the ordinance will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, a P3,000 fine for a second offense, and a P5,000 fine plus possible 15 days imprisonment and recommendation for revocation of driver’s license for the third and succeeding offenses.