Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has moved to enforce Ordinance No. 9134 as an urgent response to crimes involving motorcycle-riding offenders who use balaclavas and face-covering helmets during hold-ups, snatching incidents, and other criminal activities in the city.
The ordinance restricts face-concealing headgear in government offices, commercial establishments, public establishments, and public areas to make identification easier for authorities.
The ordinance allows several exceptions. Motorcycle riders may keep their helmets on while the vehicle is moving or when temporarily stopped at traffic lights, road signs, or on instruction from traffic enforcers.
Individuals are exempt during public health emergencies when the Department of Health or an interagency task force recommends or mandates the wearing of face masks. Law enforcers performing official duties, particularly during emergencies or pursuit operations, are exempt.
People with serious illnesses or comorbidities who require face masks are covered under the exemption. Religious headgear such as turbans and other faith-related coverings are allowed under the law.
According to the Manila Public Information Office, the measure aims to “deter criminal activities and assist law enforcement agencies in the prevention and investigation of crimes by regulating the use of motorcycle helmets and other face-concealing headgear in public establishments.” The city government stated that individuals must comply when instructed by law officers, barangay officials, security guards, or authorized government personnel.
Violators will face a P1,000 fine for the first offense and a P3,000 fine for the second offense. A third or subsequent offense carries a P5,000 fine, a possible 15-day imprisonment, and a recommendation for the revocation of the violator’s driver’s license.
A youth group earlier criticized the ordinance and described it as “an infringement on basic human rights that criminalizes the basic activities of ordinary citizens.”
The Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan said, “Instead of addressing poverty, joblessness, and the lack of public safety infrastructure, Mayor Isko Moreno and the Manila are targeting ordinary people whose livelihoods and mobility depend on these very garments.”
SPARK later reiterated its concerns in a separate statement, saying that a city ordinance banning balaclavas and other face coverings “criminalizes the basic activities of ordinary citizens.” The group warned that “vague and discretionary clauses” in the ordinance could lead to profiling, harassment, and arbitrary stops.
It added, “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.”
Mayor Isko Moreno explained that the measure is intended to make suspects easier to identify. “Magwi-withdraw ka lang sa ATM, tinatakpan mo pa yung mukha mo? Why? Kung wala ka namang tinatago, eh gwapo ka naman, maganda ka naman?” he said in a video discussing the ordinance. He added that the regulation requires individuals to remove face coverings when authorities instruct them to do so.
