Minors now allowed to travel within Metro Manila, as long as they’re accompanied by a guardian says MMDA

Minors are now allowed to travel in Metro Manila, as long as they will be accompanied by an adult. 

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said in a press briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 19, that minors, or those aged below 18 years old, are now allowed to travel in areas under different alert level zones, provided that a guardian will accompany them at all times. 

“Ang pagbyahe dito sa loob ng kalakhang Maynila within different zones ay pinapayagan ngunit ito rin ay ayon sa mga resonable restriction base sa edad at kapansanan na pwedeng i-determina ng mga local government units,” he added. 

Abalos said identification proving such relationship should be presented when asked. 

The MMDA Chairman said that the policy covers traveling using private and public vehicles. 

“Kung wala itong kasamang guardian, sisitahin ang mga bata at ang kaukulan ng mga proseso ay gagawin rito... Ito'y ginagawa para proteksyunan ang ating mga bata. Mahirap kasi palaboy-laboy eh. Baka kung saan-saan magpunta-punta 'yung mga bata,” Abalos added.

Minors would be allowed to travel as long as they are accompanied by adult guardians, Abalos says. | @_ralphedwin

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) October 19, 2021

Abalos also said people below 18 and above 65 years old are allowed to go out based on any of three conditions— to buy essential goods or services, if they’re working in an industry that’s allowed to operate, or for individual outdoor exercise.

In an Oct. 21 press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, however, dissuaded parents and guadians from allowing minors outside if the activity is not essential.

"Hindi po sila bakunado so susceptible pa rin sila so hindi naman po binago ang rule, kung kinakailangan na ito ay necessity ay di naman po sila pinagbabawalan," said Roque.