The City of Manila has officially banned the wearing of any headgear that fully conceals the face in public places and establishments across the capital.
This measure, implemented under Ordinance No. 9134, aims to enhance security and discourage criminal activity within the city.
The Manila Public Information Office announced the ordinance, which strictly prohibits the use of items such as helmets, face masks, balaclavas, caps, hoodies, and tinted visors inside government, commercial, and other public establishments, as well as in public spaces, including streets, sidewalks, markets, parks, and parking lots.
A key focus of the new regulation is on motorcycle riders and passengers. They are now forbidden from wearing face-covering headgear when they are off their motorcycle or while in standby mode in public areas.
The restriction applies even if the person is within three meters of their vehicle while performing simple tasks like buying an item from a store or conducting a minor repair.
The ordinance also mandates that any individual must remove their headgear when instructed to do so by law enforcement, barangay officials, or security personnel.
Manila’s City Council included several crucial exemptions to the ban. Riders and passengers are permitted to wear headgear while the motorcycle is in motion or when they are temporarily stopped due to traffic lights or road signs.
The ordinance is waived during public health emergencies when face masks are recommended or mandated by the Department of Health (DOH), and exemptions also apply to individuals with serious illnesses or comorbidities required to wear a mask.
Law enforcement personnel on official duty, particularly those engaged in emergency or “hot pursuit” operations, are excluded.
The ordinance makes allowances for individuals who wear headgear, such as turbans, as part of their religious faith.
Violators of Ordinance No. 9134 face escalating fines and penalties. The first offense carries a fine of P1,000, while a second offense will result in a P3,000 fine.
Repeat offenders will face the stiffest penalties, which include a P5,000 fine, a potential 15 days of imprisonment, and a recommendation for the revocation of their driver’s license.