MMDA chair Abalos sees no need to reimpose curfew in NCR

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos on Saturday said reimposing curfew in the National Capital Region (NCR) is no longer necessary as citizens of the region are already “self-regulating” amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Interviewed during the Laging Handa public briefing, Abalos said, “Natuto na tayo (We've already learned). On their own, ang ating mga kababayan ay natuto nang hindi lumabas dahil nakakahawa ito (they've learned not to go out since it’s contagious.)”

The MMDA chairman also said that as early as 5 p.m., malls and major roads are almost empty.

“Marunong mag-self-regulate ang ating kababayan ngayon,” he said.

(Our fellow citizens now know how to self-regulate.)

However, the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew on youths aged 17 years old and below in NCR remains.

Alert level

Abalos also said that upgrading Metro Manila to Alert Level 4 is likewise not necessary due to the changed behavior of the region’s citizens.

The government maintained the Alert Level 3 hoisted in NCR until the end of January.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity but exclusively for fully vaccinated people, and 50% outdoor venue capacity as long as employees are fully vaccinated.

In-person classes, contact sports, funfairs/perya, and casinos are among the activities and establishments that are prohibited under Alert Level 3.

Meanwhile, under Alert Level 4, establishments are allowed to operate at 10% indoor capacity strictly for fully vaccinated individuals only and 30% outdoor capacity. Cinemas, contact sports, face-to-face classes, amusement parks, casinos are prohibited.

Abalos said once the alert level in NCR is downgraded to 1 or 2, the prohibitions for the unvaccinated will be automatically lifted.

Early this month, the MMDA ordered unvaccinated residents in Metro Manila to stay at home unless they are buying and accessing essential goods and services while NCR is under Alert Level 3. —KG, GMA News