MANILA — Manila residents may need to rethink their hoodies, caps, and balaclavas. The city government has banned face-covering headgear in government offices, malls, public spaces, and other establishments unless absolutely necessary.
The ordinance, officially No. 9134 or the Anti-Balaclava Ordinance, covers helmets, balaclavas, caps, hoodies, tinted visors, and even face masks in non-health-related situations. Mayor Isko Moreno says the move is meant to help law enforcement prevent crimes and improve public safety.
Penalties for ignoring the rule escalate quickly:
- ₱1,000 for first offense
- ₱3,000 for second offense
- ₱5,000, possible 15-day jail, and driver’s license revocation for third or subsequent offenses.
Exemptions include:
- Public health requirements (like face masks)
- Motorcyclists temporarily stopped at traffic lights
- Law enforcers on duty
- Serious illnesses requiring masks
- Religious headgear
The law hasn’t gone over well with everyone. Youth group Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan criticized it as criminalizing ordinary citizens’ daily activities, arguing the city should focus on poverty, unemployment, and public safety infrastructure instead.
