Manila Catholic Bishop Broderick Pabillo has raised some questions on the government’s decision to impose a 10-person limit capacity for mass gatherings since Metro Manila and other provinces shifted to a general community quarantine status.
The bishop said that the IATF should reconsider giving the same provision to churches, much like what they did to restaurant owners. The IATF has allowed a 30% capacity for dine in services under GCQ.
“Sana lang ang hinihiling namin kung bibigyan nila ang mga business enterprises ng mas maraming kapasidad, dapat ang simbahan ganun din,” Pabillo told ABS-CBN News.
The bishop said that in July, the government had allowed a 10 percent limit in capacity for mass gatherings in GCQ areas.
“Ang problema, pabago-bago ang kanilang desisyon. Aadjust ulit tayo. Ganun naman talaga ang panahon, nagbabago-bago, pati yung virus, mag-aadjust talaga tayo,” he added.
RELATED STORY: Duterte places Metro Manila, 4 provinces under GCQ beginning August 19 to 31
“Parang ‘di naman tama na bibigyan mo ng 30 percent ang mga restaurant, tapos sa simbahan 10 tao lang. Mas malaki naman yung simbahan kesa sa restaurant. Parang ‘di logical,” the church leader explained.
He also said that the Catholic church has been compliant in imposing minimum health standards including mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields when they are inside the church.
Pabillo however said that they will comply with the government’s standards in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
