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Bishop says IATF's limitations on religious gatherings is 'impractical'


Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Sunday said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ restrictions on religious gatherings in terms of the number of persons allowed is “impractical.”

In a radio interview, Pabillo said the IATF should have instead implemented a one to two meters physical distancing regulation between persons inside churches.

"Welcome in a sense na pinapayagan na [religious gatherings] but unwelcoming na ang kanilang limitasyon ay impractical," Pabillo said.

While some institutions were allowed by the IATF to operate with up to 50 percent workforce, Pabillo said the church, which has a wider area, was limited to just five to 10 people.

He said the decision was made without any consultation with the Catholic Church.

Pabillo said the Manila Archdiocese already submitted guidelines to the IATF through the Department of Health two weeks ago but is yet to receive feedback from the agency.

"Gumagawa sila ng desisyon na hindi kinokonsulta ang people at sector concerned," he said.

Earlier, Pabillo appealed to the national government to allow religious services to resume.

He assured the public that physical distancing measures will be implemented, including opening churches at half capacity—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LBG, GMA News

 

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