Imee suggests outdoor 'Simbang Gabi,' online noche buena amid COVID-19

Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday suggested having outdoor Simbang Gabi or dawn masses and relaxed curfew hours in December to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from dampening the festive season.

"Dapat luwagan ang curfew kahit ilang gabi lang, nang sa ganun pati ang magagandang tradisyon ng Simbang Gabi ay maituloy. Mas mabuti rin kung may lugar ang simbahan, sa labas na magmisa na maraming makapunta," Marcos said in a message.

Last week, Metro Manila mayors have already agreed to impose shorter curfew hours at 12 midnight to 4 a.m. as part of easing the restrictions amid the pandemic. Navotas, however, will continue to impose the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the lifting or shortening of curfew hours is the prerogative of the local government units.

Religious institutions in Metro Manila had been allowed to accommodate up to 10% of the venue’s capacity for gatherings since September 1.

Manila City recently allowed churches, mosques and chapels to increase their authorized seating capacity from 10% to 30% for their religious gatherings.

Christmas parties, meanwhile, have been discouraged by Metro Manila mayors.

Marcos said the public should instead hold online gatherings and Noche Buena.

"Imbes na maluhong party at regaluhan, please sa may kaya naman, i-share nating lahat anumang meron tayo sa mga mahihirap. Mamigay ng todo sa ating kapwa! 'Yan ang tunay na diwa ng pasko sa pandemya," she added. -MDM, GMA News