The Philippines’ quarantine rules have been hard on a lot of people, because it only allows those aged 21 to 60 to leave their homes. However, things might change in Metro Manila because its mayors are eyeing the possibility of easing their lockdown policies to revive the region’s battered economy.
Parañaque mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) head Edwin Olivarez said today that they might allow more younger and older residents to leave their homes. The MMC is composed of Metro Manila mayors and they regularly convene to discuss changes in quarantine policies.
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“For now persons who are allowed to go out are in the ages 21 to 60. Our recommendation is perhaps to allow those 18 to 65 to leave their residences,” Olivarez told ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo in English and Filipino.
However, he said he and other mayors want to maintain the 10pm to 5am curfew which has been implemented all over the National Capital Region. Those who are working beyond curfew hours such as call center workers are exempted from the rule.
He urged the Department of Transport (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the capacity of public transportation as more Filipinos are expected to leave their homes. Buses, trains, and jeepneys are operating at a limited capacity to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The DOTr and the LTFRB should open more public utility vehicles because we need to help the economy and more people should be allowed to leave their homes,” he said.
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