Isko bans Chinese New Year activities in Binondo

Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday announced that this year’s Chinese New Year activities in Binondo are prohibited as the threat of the coronavirus remains.

At a press conference, Moreno said he had signed an executive order banning public activities in the area during the Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated on February 1.

"I just signed an Executive Order No. 11 last night, nanawagan tayo sa ating kababayang Filipino-Chinese because this February, they will celebrate the Chinese New Year so Executive Order No. 11, an order canceling all activities in relation to this celebration of the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year in the entire Binondo, Chinatown area. This is more or less 20 barangays," Moreno said.

Activities prohibited include the dragon dance and fireworks display, according to Moreno.

Moreno noted that selling and drinking of alcoholic beverages is also not allowed from January 31 to February 1.

He said the Filipino-Chinese community could still celebrate but only in their respective residences.

Moreno called on local officials to strictly enforce his directive to ensure the safety of residents.

"Nanawagan din tayo sa ating mga barangay official na ipatupad ang minimum health standard at ipatupad itong executive order na ito," Moreno said.

(We are urging barangay officials to enforce minimum health standards and implement this executive order.)

Meanwhile, in a separate news release, Moreno said he would continue to focus on the city's COVID-19 response to further prevent the spread of the virus.

He stressed that his duties and responsibilities as mayor come first as he had pledged to Manila residents that they will be his priority when he ran for public office. — RSJ, GMA News