MPD enforces anti-face covering rule during rally

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from weapons, explosives and alcoholic beverages, items that cover the face will be prohibited during the rally against corruption in government today, the Manila Police District said.

In a video advisory, the MPD said the use of face masks or anything that conceals identity are not allowed during the anti-corruption protests, citing City Ordinance 9134, which prohibits motorcycle riders from wearing face coverings such as balaclava or ski mask, face mask, helmet, hat and hoodie when entering private and public establishments or while alighting from their motorcycles.

The MPD also called on rally participants and other people joining the protest to avoid bringing items such as Molotov bombs, firecrackers, steel and wooden batons, slingshots, big umbrellas and alcoholic drinks, among others.

With thousands expected to join the rally, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) appealed to protesters to spare national monuments from their activities.

“Monuments should be given due prominence” and “should not be desecrated,” the NHCP said in its advisory.

Citing its 2012 national guidelines on monuments honoring national heroes, illustrious Filipinos and other personages, the NHCP said city, municipal and provincial ordinances protect the monuments from vandalism, graffiti, advertising billboards and posters, direct abutment of structures and improper use.

Double pay

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers to properly compensate workers who will be on duty today, the Bonifacio Day.

In Labor Advisory No. 13, the DOLE urged employers to comply with the guidelines to ensure fair labor practices and protect workers’ rights as the country celebrates the holiday.

According to the guideline, if an employee does not work today, the employer shall pay 100 percent of the wage, provided that the employee reports for work or was on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the holiday.

For work done during the regular holiday, the employer shall pay a total of 200 percent of the employee’s wage for the first eight hours, and an additional 30 percent for work done in excess of eight hours. — Rhodina Villanueva