The Quezon City government is getting an average of P60,000 from fines paid by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health and safety protocol violators, the most prevalent of whom are those not wearing masks.
Despite repeated reminders and the fines that go with not following ordinances, there are still violators.
“We have already passed so many ordinances to be able to contain the virus. There is a fine of P300 for the first offense, P500 for a second offense, and P1,000 for a third offense,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said partly in Filipino.
Other violations are establishments that operate even if they are not yet allowed to, like bars, and drinking in public places.
On Sunday alone, Belmonte said the city government recorded 366 violations.
Among those issued with ordinance violation receipts (OVR) on Monday were carinderia (small eateries) that allowed dine-in customers.
“Because they are eateries, and they do not have safety seals unlike in malls. So we issued violation tickets,” Belmonte said partly in Filipino.
Since July 30 and during the enhanced community quarantine on Aug. 6 to 20, dine-in and alfresco eating are not allowed in the National Capital Region.
“I ask everyone to follow the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) and the national government guidelines. Follow them and take them seriously. We will be stricter in enforcing these ordinances passed by the city council because this is for the safety of the general public,” Belmonte said partly in Filipino.
