Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque IATF-EID and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced Monday that the opening of cinemas has been moved to March 1.
Secretary Roque pointed out that the IATF-EID has coordinated with the MMC and made an agreement regarding the opening of movie houses. This move is was also meant to give adequate time for local government units (LGUs) to pass their respective guidelines on the matter.
Sec. Roque emphasized that the order is subject to guidelines under the IATF Resolution after some of the local chiefs disclosed that the task force did not consult the LGUs on the said leisure activity.
In a separate statement, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that they respect the position of the Metro Manila mayors and that they can wait “for a few weeks more, maybe 2 weeks” since Metro Manila needs “only a few more weeks to observe”.
“For IATF, the reopening of cinemas is one of the other ways to continue the gradual and safe reopening of sectors to save the economy from huge decline. Also to help the 300,000 jobs in the film production and distribution industry,” he added. Report from Mela Lesmoras
