Here's The Final Word Whether Your Kids Can Go To Malls

Yesterday, December 1, 2020, there was confusion about whether kids are allowed in malls and other establishments created confusion.

The final word (at least this morning of December 2, 2020) is to check with the local government unit.

Are kids allowed in malls? Mayor or LGU has final say

Yup, the ball is now on the mayors’ court. According to Reportr, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said even mall operators will need to check with LGUs before accepting kids on their premises.

That means mayors or LGU officials will need to “issue resolutions that will allow the entry of children and teens to shopping centers,” Reportr quotes DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya.

“We’re still waiting for the final recommendation from the mayors/LGUs before it becomes official policy,” Malaya told reportr in a message.

He added that “Metro Manila will need a uniform policy on allowing minors in malls.” (Yes, please.) LGU approval of minors in malls is also required outside Metro Manila.

Mayors consult medical experts first

As of this writing, no NCR mayor has issued the ordinance, but the Metro Manila Council (MMC) composed of the region’s 17 mayors, held a meeting last night.

UPDATE: Metro Manila mayors have given their verdict. Read it here

They have decided to consult medical experts first before deciding whether to allow minors to leave home during the general community quarantine, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said, according to Inquirer.net.

Yesterday, December 1, the DILG and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) seemingly contradicted each other.

DILG said kids were allowed in NCR shopping centers as long as they are accompanied by parents and that mayors will issue ordinances about it.

But then NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo during an interview, “Hindi pa po allowed ‘yan [minors sa malls] sa GCQ.” 

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