Workers to present IDs upon entering MManila
MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday workers living in Metro Manila’s nearby provinces will be allowed to enter the region upon presentation of valid identification cards (IDs).
Interior Secretary Eduardo
Año made the clarification following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to suspend land, domestic air and sea travel to and from Metro Manila starting March 15 as part of community quarantine measures amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.
“Lilinawin ko lang sa mga nagtatrabaho. Kasama dito sa kautusan na papayagan ‘yung mga nagtatrabaho na pumasok
provided lang na meron silang ID, merong silang magpapatunay na talagang ang work nila ay dito sa Manila. Kasi supposedly sana talagang gagayahin sana natin ‘yung ibang bansa like China na total lockdown pero syempre we also have to consider ‘yung mga nagtatrabaho na mga kababayan natin lalo na ‘yung mga ordinaryong nagtatrabaho (I just want to clear this for workers’ sake. The orders states that those living outside Metro Manila but are working here will be allowed to enter as long as they present an ID proving that their work is here. Supposedly, we are to implement a total lockdown like what was done in other countries like China, but we also have to consider our workers, especially ordinary workers),” he said in a radio interview.
Año said the Philippine National Police (PNP), together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will establish checkpoints in entry and exit points in the region for the inspections.
He, however, encouraged those who can work from home to do so also to avoid inconvenience.
Año said the government, through the Department of Labor and Employment, will coordinate with the private companies for possible work hours adjustments to lessen those coming in and out of Metro Manila.
“Anything related to work or business, we are okay with that and those in the economic cluster, including (Trade) Secretary (Ramon) Lopez, (Finance) Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez III), they said the work of people should not be hampered,” he said.
He also reiterated there is no total lockdown but just restriction of movement in Metro Manila to stop the spread of the virus.
“We are just restricting movement especially coming in and going out of Metro Manila (because we don’t want the virus) from (Metro) Manila going outside (because it would be more difficult) if it spreads in other regions. So it is best that we confine it here in Metro Manila and here we will concentrate our efforts and resources,” he said.