Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Youth organization Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) said a Manila city ordinance banning balaclavas and other face coverings in government offices and commercial establishments infringes on basic rights and &quot;criminalizes the basic activities of ordinary citizens.&quot;The ordinance directs people to remove balaclavas, face masks and helmets when entering establishments.Motorcycle riders and passengers are also required to remove their helmets when they alight.Apart from face masks, balaclavas and helmets, the ordinance also bans caps and hoodies in the same areas.Mayor Francisco &quot;Isko&quot; Moreno Domagoso has said, the measure, which also requires people to remove face coverings when authorities instruct them to, is meant to deter crime by making suspects easier to identify.&quot;Magwi-withdraw ka lang sa ATM, tinatakpan mo pa yung mukha mo? Why? Kung wala ka namang tinatago, eh guwapo ka naman, maganda ka naman?&quot; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/819099644201515">he said in a Facebook Reel</a> explaining the ordinance.(If you are just withdrawing money from the ATM, why would you hide your face? If you&#x27;re not hiding anything and you&#x27;re handsome or beautful anyway?)But SPARK said &quot;vague and discretionary clauses&quot; in the ordinance could lead to profiling, harassment, and arbitrary stops.&quot;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,&quot; SPARK said.Penalties for violating the ordinance range from a fine of P1,000 for the first offense to a P5,000 fine, imprisonment for up to 15 days and the potential revocation of driver&#x27;s licenses.

Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso has said, the measure, which also requires people to remove face coverings when authorities instruct them to, is meant to deter crime by making suspects easier to identify.

Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso has said, the measure, which also requires people to remove face coverings when authorities instruct them to, is meant to deter crime by making suspects easier to identify.

Youth group wary of potential abuse of Manila's ban on balaclavas, face coverings

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Youth group wary of potential abuse of Manila's ban on balaclavas, face coverings

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 23, 2025 11:42 AM PHT

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Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan

Manila

Isko Moreno

Public safety

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