The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has consulted the Philippine Pediatric Society and experts before releasing a recommendation on whether or not to allow minors to leave their houses.
Metro Manila mayors said the decision on whether or not minors will be permitted to go outside and enter malls with their parents while the region is under general community quarantine will be “based on facts.”
Magkaroon ng surge, ang sisisihin mayors, hindi naman mga doktor, ‘yang mga mayors natin. They’re just decision makers, kaya lang based on facts, anong masasabi ng mga doktor (If a surge happens, mayors will be blamed. They’re just decision-makers but will base on facts or what doctors will advise),” MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia stated.
The experts’ opinion which the MMC has sought includes the age bracket of individuals allowed to go out. Garcia affirmed they “will just follow” the advice of the Philippine Pediatric Society on the matter.
“Sabi nga natin (As we have said) we cannot talk about it unless if we have already the opinion, if we are going to agree or disagree on that subject,” he added.
Garcia clarified that people within the 18 to 65 years-old bracket are allowed to go out pending the final decision of the council.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier expressed concern on allowing minors, saying that “we want to air on the side of caution.”
“Kung may pag-aalinlangan, huwag niyo na isama ‘yung mga bata (Do not take the kids [outside] if there are doubts),” he advised. – Report from Patrick de Jesus
