MANILA — The Manila City government has prohibited the wearing of headgear that covers the face in government offices, commercial and public establishments, and public areas, unless necessary, the city’s Public Information Office (PIO) announced.

Ordinance No. 9134 specifically bans helmets, face masks, balaclavas, caps, hoodies, and tinted visors in the areas covered by the law. Riders and passengers are also prohibited from wearing such headgear when off their motorcycles or while in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, markets, parks, and parking lots.

The ordinance further states that riders or passengers must not wear headgear while within three meters of their motorcycle for tasks like minor repairs or purchasing items from a store. Individuals who refuse to remove headgear when instructed by law enforcement officers, barangay officials, security personnel, or other government authorities may also be penalized.

Exemptions include:

• Public health emergencies when the Department of Health (DOH) or an inter-agency task force mandates face masks;
• Riders in motion or temporarily stopped on motorcycles due to traffic signals or enforcement;
• Law enforcers on official duty, especially in emergencies or hot pursuit operations;
• Individuals with serious illnesses or comorbidities requiring face masks;
• Persons with religious exemptions, including those wearing turbans or other faith-based headgear.

Violators will face a PHP1,000 fine for the first offense, PHP3,000 for the second, and PHP5,000 plus possible 15 days imprisonment and a recommendation for driver’s license revocation for the third and subsequent offenses, the Manila PIO said.