The Manila City government has banned the wearing of any headgear that covers the face while inside government, commercial, and public establishments, as well as in public places, unless necessary.
In a social media post on Saturday, the Manila Public Information Office said Ordinance No. 9134 specifically prohibits the wearing of helmets, face masks, balaclavas, caps, hoodies, and tinted visors in these areas.
The ordinance also bars riders and passengers from wearing face-covering headgear when not on a motorcycle or while on standby in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, markets, parks, and parking lots.
A rider or passenger is likewise prohibited from wearing headgear within three meters of a motorcycle while performing simple tasks such as minor repairs or buying items from a store.
Anyone may also be penalized for refusing to remove headgear when instructed by law enforcers, barangay officials, security guards, or other authorized personnel.
As this developed, the youth organization Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) strongly opposed the newly enforced Anti-Balaclava Ordinance, calling it “an infringement on basic human rights that criminalizes the basic activities of ordinary citizens.”
The group warned that vague and discretionary clauses—particularly those requiring individuals to remove headgear upon the order of authorities—could lead to profiling, harassment, and arbitrary stops.
“Instead of addressing poverty, joblessness, and the lack of public safety infrastructure, Mayor Isko Moreno and the Manila LGU are targeting ordinary people whose livelihoods and mobility depend on these very garments,” SPARK said.
SPARK argued that genuine safety should come from community-centered reforms that promote values formation, strengthen public systems, and address socioeconomic conditions rather than punitive ordinances that treat ordinary citizens as potential criminals.
“The Anti-Balaclava Ordinance is a shortcut that bypasses human rights, civil liberties, and constitutional freedoms. Manila’s leaders should rethink this ordinance before it becomes another tool of abuse,” the group added.
Exemptions to the ban include:
— during public health emergencies when the Department of Health (DOH) or an inter-agency task force recommends or mandates face masks;— riders in motion or drivers or passengers still on their motorcycles and temporarily stopped due to traffic lights, road signs, or traffic enforcers;— law enforcers on official duty, especially during emergency or hot-pursuit operations;— individuals with serious illnesses or comorbidities who are required to wear face masks;— those with religious exemptions, including individuals who wear turbans or faith-related headgear.
Violators will face a P1,000 fine for the first offense, P3,000 for the second, and P5,000 plus possible 15-day imprisonment and recommended revocation of driver’s license for the third and subsequent offenses, the Manila PIO said.
