AN executive order allowing up to 30 percent of seating capacity in religious gatherings in churches, chapels and mosques was issued by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
The order came following a meeting held by the mayor with Quiapo Church authorities recently.
The Catholic Church had been batting for an increase in the allowed number of churchgoers earlier set by government at ten percent of its total capacity, prompting the holding of more masses to accomodate more churchgoers.
Moreno’s EO 41 also requires persons under 18 years old and over 65 to comply with the stay-at-home directive of the inter-agency task Force (IATF) unless they belong to the authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) category.
Moreno said religious leaders must ensure that attendees of the religious gathering shall, at all times, strictly observe the minimum public health standards and protocols set by the government.
“All persons below 18 or over 65 years old shall be required to remain in their residences at all times except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in industries and offices or such other activities permitted by the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, as amended. Provided finally that this shall not be interpreted to mean that restrictions imposed by various prevailing community quarantine classifications for the general population are lifted,” the order further stated.
In issuing EO 41, Moreno said there is a need for the city to address the spiritual needs of its constituents.
“The city recognizes its avowed duty to promote not only the social and economic well-being of its constituents but also, and more importantly, their spiritual well-being,” he added.
After the community quarantine in the city was lowered to General Community Quarantine category, the city started to adopt measures geared towards restoring the public trust and confidence on social and economic institutions and their activities in the city.
