The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday called for the public’s adherence to the new policy that prohibits outdoor exercise in the capital region during the course of its enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos announced the new policy during President Rodrigo Duterte’s public address on Monday night.

Abalos said the measure was implemented to address the rising Covid-19 cases and the threat of the Delta variant in Metro Manila.

He also cited the increasing capacity rates of intensive care unit beds in the region.

“Ito ay sampung araw lang naman…to make the ECQ really very, very effective para huwag namang maabuso. Kasi iyong iba nagtsitsismisan lang, lumalabas,” Abalos said.

Metro Manila is under ECQ until Aug. 20.

Abalos said the policy could be overturned after 10 days.

“Pasensiya na po kayo, but you know, we have to bite the bullet here. All that we are asking for, ten days lang ito, after that, ili-lift na. Mag-uusap naman ang mga mayors dito. Assessment lang naman ito,” he said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro