The Anti-Balaclava Ordinance in Manila has sparked online discussions, as Filipinos raised concerns about the wearing of face masks in public establishments.
The nation’s capital recently began implementing Manila Ordinance 9134, also known as the Anti-Balaclava Ordinance, which prohibits the wearing of face masks in government buildings, as well as in commercial and public establishments.
According to the ordinance’s author, Manila District 1 Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr., a balaclava is also known as a ski mask.
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The ordinance exempts individuals with comorbidities and serious illness, although it does not specify which conditions quality.
Comorbidities are coexisting health conditions, which may be chronic and either related to each other or occur independently.
“Kung kayo po ay may sakit, eh kailangan niyo lamang po, halimbawa, meron kayong face mask, pagpasok mo sa establishment, bubuksan niyo lang… tas pwede niyo ulit ikabit, ganoon lang ‘yun, sa mga may sakit na nag-fa-face mask,” Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said in a video.
The ordinance has raised concerns among some Filipinos who wear face masks for personal reasons, even if they do not have serious illnesses.
“As someone na may allergy sa dust and pollution, plus, aircon (not eme) wala pang COVID, nag-ma-mask na talaga me. So nugagawen [ano gagawin]?” an X user commented with a crying emoji.
“Manila is banning FACE MASKS for security purposes?? You have to prove you have a serious illness or comorbidities, else you have to remove it or they’ll fine you. I’m just trying to not get sick and trying to protect myself from pollution, bruh, what is this??” another wrote.
“Anong kab*b*han ‘to? I still wear a face mask every time I go out because I do not want to catch anything from people who refuse to wear one. Everyone, regardless if they’re immunocompromised or not, should be allowed to wear face masks,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Per the ordinance, may exemptions nga for comorbidities at during public health emergencies. Pero paano naman ‘yung mga naka-mask to protect themselves from pollution, from people who may be sick, at ‘yung may allergies or respiratory sensitivities?” another said.
“Hindi ba considered ‘health-related’ ang protection na iyon? At sino ang magde-decide kung ‘pangkalusugan’ ba ang mask mo, ‘yung guard sa mall? ‘Yung barangay tanod?” the online user asked.
Others questioned how exactly the ordinance will be implemented concerning face masks.
“Exempted daw ‘yung face mask if medical reason, like, paano nila malalaman na immunocompromised ka or may sakit ka kaya ka may face mask? Lalapitan ka ba nila para tanungin or hingan ng med cert [medical certificate] para patunayan na exempted ka?” an X user said.
First-time offenders will be fined P1,000, while second-time offenders face a fine of P3,000.
For third and subsequent offenses, violators may be be fined P5,000 and face up to 15 days in jail.
The ordinance was implemented to strengthen the security in the city, according to the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO).
Moreno also said it aims to prevent crimes such as hold-ups, snatching and others involving face coverings.
“Bahagi ito ng malawak nating layunin na mabigyan ng kapanatagan ang ating mga kababayan — na sila ay ligtas at may gobyernong nakabantay sa Maynila,” he said in a Facebook post.
“Hindi man natin ganap na mapigilan ang mga kriminal na pumasok sa lungsod, sisiguruhin naman natin na hahabulin sila saan mang sulok ng bansa upang mapanagot sa batas,” the mayor added.
