‘Concealed faces’ now banned in Manila

The Manila City Council has enacted a new law banning nearly all forms of face concealment in public spaces and establishments, a move designed as an anti-criminality measure to deter robbers and other criminals who hide their identities.

City Ordinance No. 9134, principal authored by District 1 Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr. and informally known as the “Balaclava Ordinance,” prohibits wearing items like motorcycle helmets, masks, hoodies, bull caps and other face-concealing headgear inside commercial and government buildings or while dismounted from a motorcycle in specific public areas.

Section 1 of the ordinance states the policy aims to promote public safety, ensure peace and order, deter criminal activities and assist law enforcement in the prevention and investigation of crimes by regulating the use of face-concealing gear in public establishments.

The ordinance strictly prohibits wearing a motorcycle helmet or any face cover that hides the wearer’s identity — including bonnets, ski masks, bandanas, handkerchiefs, caps, hats and hoodies — under several circumstances within Manila’s jurisdiction.

These prohibited acts include: when entering or inside commercial, government, and other public establishments; when the rider or passenger alights from a motorcycle and is within three meters of the vehicle for any reason, such as fixing the motorcycle, waiting, or buying from stores or ATMs; and when the rider or passenger is on standby mode, whether on or off the motorcycle, along public roads, highways, subdivision roads, alleys, sidewalks, parks, parking lots or market areas.

The ordinance details specific exemptions from the ban, which include times when the driver or passenger is actively driving or moving; during officially declared pandemics or public health emergencies where mask use is mandated by the Department of Health; for law enforcement personnel performing official duties, such as in emergency or hot pursuit cases; for seriously ill patients or those with comorbidities requiring face protection; and for persons whose religious tradition or customs require them to wear headgear that incidentally covers their face.

Private establishments are now required to post visible notices, such as stickers, regarding the face concealment ban to avoid misunderstandings before customers enter.

Violators will be issued an Ordinance Violation Receipt with escalating penalties — first offense carries a fine of P1,000. The second offense results in a P3,000 fine and mandatory community service not exceeding eight hours.

The third offense is punishable by a P5,000 fine and imprisonment of 15 days, or both, with a recommendation for the revocation of the driver’s license to the Land Transportation Office at the court’s discretion.

The Manila Police District, Barangay Tanods and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau are designated as the lead entities for implementing the ordinance, which was enacted on 7 October.