Nograles supports NCR mayors' move to defer opening of cinemas

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Sunday backed the decision of Metro Manila mayors to defer the opening of cinemas in the National Capital Region amid the resurgence of COVID-19 infections.

In a "Dobol B TV" interview, Nograles, who co-chairs the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), said that while they already have issued guidelines regarding the opening of cinemas, they respect the decision of local government units on the matter.

"Kahit na may ganyang policies, we also respect the LGUs in terms of mga actions nila. That's why kung nakita niyo, nag-defer muna ang mga LGU ng Metro Manila doon sa pag-open ng cinemas. 'Yan naman ay sinusuportahan natin," he said.

"But remember these are general policies of the IATF and hindi lang naman ito sakop yung Metro Manila, it just so happened that Metro Manila is under GCQ (general community quarantine). But there are also other areas in GCQ," he added.

Last month, the IATF allowed the reopening of traditional cinemas in GCQ areas starting February 15, subject to guidelines that will be issued by the Department of Health and respective local government units.

However, Metro Manila mayors expressed apprehension over this policy, prompting Malacañang to move the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas to March.

Thus, the Department of Trade and Industry then issued Memorandum Circular No. 21-08, which allows cinemas to reopen in GCQ areas beginning March 5, although at 25% venue capacity.

But in a meeting on Saturday, Metro Manila mayors reportedly agreed to defer the opening of cinemas and arcades in NCR following the new surge in COVID-19 cases, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos.

Nograles noted that LGUs are capable of making policy recommendations as they see the situation on ground.

"Kahit na may mga polisiya tayo ay nandiyan naman ang mga local government units. Sila naman ang pinaka-on the ground na nakakapagbigay talaga ng madalian at quick na assessment at action," he said.

"So nasa power naman ng LGUs yan na gumawa ng adjustments, mga patakaran, or decisions on the ground," he added.

Cinema operators in the country such as SM Cinema and Ayala Malls Cinema also decided not to open their cinemas just yet, pending decision from LGUs where they operate.

On March 6, the Philippines logged 2021's record-high 3,439 new COVID-19 cases and 42 new deaths. It was the second time this week that more than 3,000 cases were recorded, indicating an increasing rate of infections in the country.

As of Saturday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country reached 591,138. Of this number, 535,350 have recovered, while 12,465 died. —LBG, GMA News