Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

Manila bans balaclavas, face coverings in public, commercial spaces

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Manila City government has officially prohibited the wearing of balaclavas or any face coverings inside establishments and public areas under a new ordinance.While many have welcomed the move, some remain opposed.For delivery rider Larry Rodriguez, wearing a balaclava or face covering aside from his helmet has been part of his daily routine.“Proteksyon na rin po sa alikabok, sa usok. ‘Yan po ang purpose ng ganito natin. Pag wala, maano sa mukha ang alikabok sir e,” he said.Previously, Larry could freely walk around wearing his balaclava. Under the new ordinance, however, this is no longer allowed.“Pabor po ako para kahit papaano hindi maalangin ‘yong mga tao sa amin kung sakali man na tanggalin namin ‘yong facemask, makikilala nila kami,” he added.The ordinance, approved by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on November 3, prohibits helmets, masks, balaclavas, or any face coverings when entering or inside commercial, government, or public establishments.The ban also applies when riders or passengers temporarily leave their motorcycles or stop in public spaces such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, easements, parks, parking lots, and market areas.“Susunod kami sa patakaran para hindi kami madamay sa mga kamote rider na gumagawa ng kalokohan,” said delivery rider Lemuel Romero,“Oo, sir. Walang problema sa akin kung gano’n kasi para na rin sa seguridad ng isang establisiyemento kasi nag-iingat lang din sila. Ngayon ko lang po naano. Tatanggalin na po namin talaga,” said another delivery rider EJ Pelaez.The ordinance exempts certain situations, including:- Public health emergencies requiring face masks under DOH or IATF guidance- Riders, drivers, or passengers still on motorcycles who temporarily stop due to traffic lights, road signs, or traffic enforcers- Law enforcement officers on official duty, particularly during emergencies or hot pursuits- Individuals with serious illnesses or comorbidities needing face masks- Religious exemptions, including turbans or headgear required by faith“Yun po&#x27;y iniiwasan natin upang hindi gamitin ng mga tulisan at tulonges yung ganyang senaryo. Kasi po&#x27;y pinangangalagaan natin ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng higit na nakararami at mapanagot natin sa lalong madaling panahon upang makilala itong mga posibling suspect of a crime or a crime na kinommit. Eh mapapanagot natin sila kaagad,” said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno during his Yorme’s Hour on November 14.Jinna Mae Gamas, an optical clinic employee, supports the ordinance, especially given the flow of customers in and out of their establishment.“Sa tingin ko, mas okay siya, for safety na rin po. In case po kasing may mangyari dito, matutukoy po agad kung sino ‘yong taong ‘yon,” she said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/23/youth-group-wary-of-potential-abuse-of-manila-s-ban-on-balaclavas-face-coverings-1142">Youth group wary of potential abuse of Manila&#x27;s ban on balaclavas, face coverings</a></div>However, youth group Panday Sining opposes the move.“Oo, naggagamit siya ng kriminal talaga ‘yong nasa utak, pero hindi rin natin masasabi na porket naggagamit siya ay hindi na siya pwedeng gamitin din ng mga kapulisan ng mga pwersa ng estado, dahil pinapatunayan ng kasaysayan na ang mga kapulisan mismo nagtatakip ng mukha kapag pumupunta sa pagkilos,” said Panday Sining Chairperson Kean Peralta.<div> </div><div>VIOLATIONS </div>Police clarified that only officers on duty are exempted to avoid compromising operations.“Nagti-take advantage sila doon para mai-hide ‘yong kanilang identity. Kung wala kasing mukha, mahihirapan tayo na ma-identify ito. Actually bago pa lumabas ito ay marami ng mga establishments ang nag-i-impose nito. Kapag pumasok ka ng bangko, pinapatanggal ‘yong sumbrero, pinapatanggal ‘yong facemask, para ma-identify ka at makita ka sa CCTV,” said PMaj. Philippine Ines, Manila Police District spokesperson.Violators face penalties enforced by the police, barangay officials, and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau:1st offense: ₱1,000 fine2nd offense: ₱3,000 fine3rd and succeeding offenses: ₱5,000 fine, up to 15 days imprisonment, and recommendation for driver’s license revocation at the Land Transportation Office

The Manila City government has officially prohibited the wearing of balaclavas or any face coverings inside establishments and public areas under a new ordinance.

The Manila City government has officially prohibited the wearing of balaclavas or any face coverings inside establishments and public areas under a new ordinance.