Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) — Movie theaters in Pasig City will remain closed regardless if Metro Manila stays under general community quarantine or relaxes its restrictions, Mayor Vico Sotto said.
This comes as national government officials announced cinemas will reopen in GCQ areas. Some Metro Manila mayors also recommended shifting to the most relaxed modified general community quarantine.
“Whether you call it GCQ or MGCQ, for now, we will have cinemas remain closed,” Sotto told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Friday.
Sotto stressed that although the economy needs to open gradually, the local government must protect its gains in fighting COVID-19. He added that about 5% of businesses in Pasig have closed.
In terms of allowing in-person classes, Sotto only mentioned the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, which he thought was prepared to partially welcome students back.
On vaccination, the mayor said he is willing to be inoculated publicly, but he will follow the order of priority prescribed by the Department of Health. He added that the brand of the vaccine does not matter to him if it has already received Emergency Use Authorization.
“I am very much willing (to be vaccinated) but I believe in following the rules,” he said. “Kahit anong brand na unang dumating willing akong magpabakuna [I am willing to be vaccinated with any brand], but for us, we see in the DOH guidelines it’s health care professionals first, so we will go strictly by that.”
