Manila: The Manila City government has instituted a ban on wearing headgear that conceals the face in government, commercial, and public establishments, as well as in public areas, except when necessary. The new regulation aims to enhance public safety and security within the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Manila Public Information Office announced through a social media post that Ordinance No. 9134 prohibits the use of helmets, face masks, balaclavas, caps, hoodies, and tinted visors in specified areas. The ordinance extends to riders and passengers who are forbidden from wearing face-covering headgear when not actively riding a motorcycle or while stationary in public environments such as streets, sidewalks, markets, parks, and parking lots.

The ordinance further mandates that riders or passengers must not wear headgear within three meters of their motorcycles when performing tasks like repairs or purchasing items from a store. Citizens are also obligated to remove headgear upon request by law officers, barangay officials, security guards, or other governmental authorities.

Exemptions to the ordinance are provided under specific conditions, including during public health emergencies when face masks are recommended or mandated by the Department of Health or an inter-agency task force. Additional exemptions include riders in motion or temporarily halted due to traffic controls, law enforcers on duty, individuals with serious health conditions requiring face masks, and those with religious exemptions such as turbans or faith-related headgear.

Violations of this ordinance are subject to penalties, with a PHP1,000 fine for the first offense, a PHP3,000 fine for the second offense, and a PHP5,000 fine with potential 15-day imprisonment and a recommendation for driver's license revocation for third and subsequent offenses, as detailed by the Manila PIO.