The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has eased the restrictions on religious gatherings in Metro Manila, Malacañang announced on Friday.

Religious services in Metro Manila would be allowed up to 30-percent seating capacity, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

This developed after the Metro Manila Council, which is composed of mayors in the country’s metropolis, agreed to further relax restrictions on religious activities.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday, May 20, 2021, noted that the Metro Manila Council has allowed religious gatherings at 30-percent venue capacity,” Roque said in a press statement.

Metro Manila, along with Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal, are placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” until May 31.

The GCQ “with heightened restrictions in Metro Manila and its four nearby provinces, otherwise known as the National Capital Regional Plus, limits the capacity of religious gatherings at 10 percent.

Roque said local chief executives have the final say on increasing the venue capacity of religious gatherings.

“Local government units, however, are given the discretion to increase the venue capacity of religious gatherings as long as these would not exceed the 30 percent allowable venue capacity,” he said.

Resumption of relocation activities

Meantime, the IATF-EID also allowed the resumption of voluntary and involuntary relocation for affected informal settlers, Roque said.

He said the relocation works would be subject to safety and health protocols and strict observance of minimum public health standards.

“Also allowed to resume are the relocation activities of the Department of Public Works and Highways for affected informal settlers in connection with their construction projects, in accordance with existing laws and ordinances,” he said. (PNA)