NCR mayors mull easing minimum age restriction from 18 to 15

MANILA – The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has suggested easing the minimum age restriction of those allowed outdoors in Metro Manila to 15 years old from the previous 18 years old.

In a press conference on Monday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the suggestion was relayed to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) in response to a previous recommendation of lowering the minimum age in increments to as young as 5 years old.

“Kami po we oppose this (lowering to 5 years old) dahil sabi namin mas mabuti siguro gradual muna. And that we’re given time to consult with the mayors. (We oppose this because we think it should be gradual. And we’re given time to consult with the mayors),” Abalos said.

He said the meeting, which occurred on Thursday, highlighted the importance of age restrictions in the National Capital Region while under general community quarantine.

He noted that lowering the minimum age to 15 allows the government to first monitor whether the change would cause a rise in Covid-19 infections after a certain period.

“Within that period, kung makikita na maganda-ganda, sige, pag-usapan natin, ibaba natin ulit kung gusto niyo (Within that period, if we see things are good, then yes, we’ll discuss it and lower it if that’s what they want),” Abalos said.

During the meeting, Abalos also announced the MMC’s apprehension over the reopening of cinemas in Metro Manila.

The reopening of cinemas in areas under GCQ has been moved to March 1 to allow consultations with local officials, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement after Metro Manila mayors expressed apprehension over the reopening of cinemas as it may lead to a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Moving the reopening of cinemas to a later date is the result of talks with Abalos, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.