PARAÑAQUE  BANS WEARING OF HELMET, MASK IN ESTABLISHMENTS . PUBLIC AREAS

WEARING of helmet or mask inside establishments and public areas n Parañaque City  is now prohibited.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the Parañaque City government has approved an ordinance prohibiting the wearing of motorcycle helmets, masks, and other face-concealing headgear inside establishments and in public places in the city.

The 10th Council has approved City Ordinance No. 2025-30 (69), Series of 2025 otherwise known as the “Anti-Face Concealment Ordinance of Parañaque City.”

The ordinance, authored by councilor Pablo A. Olivarez II and signed by Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez, aims to enhance public safety and prevent crimes, following reports that suspects have used motorcycle helmets and other face-concealing gear to hide their identities during robberies, assaults, and other criminal acts.

Under the ordinance, it is unlawful to wear motorcycle helmets, bonnets, ski masks, balaclavas, full-tint face shields, construction helmets, industrial masks, or similar face-concealing items inside commercial, government, educational, financial, and other establishments open to the public.

The ban also applies to individuals who are away from their motorcycles, including those who have alighted and are at a distance of three meters from a stopped or parked motorcycle in areas such as roads, sidewalks, alleys, parking areas, markets, parks, and designated crime-prone zones.

Refusal to remove face-concealing headgear upon lawful request by police officers, barangay officials, or security personnel is likewise prohibited.

Exemptions are provided for medical or health-related use during officially declared public health emergencies, recognized religious or cultural practices, and motorcyclists who are in actual transit on public roads and highways.

Violators can be penalized with a fine amounting to P1,500 and a written warning for the first offense; P3,000 and/or community service of not less than 8 hours for the second offense; and a fine of P5,000 and/or possible imprisonment of up to 15 days, at the discretion of the court, for subsequent offenses.

Violations committed in connection with other crimes will incur additional penalties.