PNP Bans Public Display Of Affection Amid Rise In COVID-19 Cases

The Philippine National Police said Tuesday, March 9, that couples, family members and friends are prohibited from showing public displays of affection (PDAs) and that if spotted, policemen are instructed to call them out.

According to the PNP, physical intimacy in public violates health and safety protocols set by the government. “If we see them embrace, stay shoulder-to-shoulder and very close to each other, it’s an automatic violation,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said.

The official said the ban covers kissing in public, as well as other acts such as holding hands and embracing one another.

Police officers will not immediately arrest couples, family members or friends caught doing PDAs but will just caution them on the first offense, he said.

Usana said the recent spike in COVID-19 cases prompted the police to enforce health and safety measures strictly. Police officers have also been deployed to COVID-19 hotspots, particularly in Metro Manila, to ensure that people are following quarantine rules and regulations.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also directed local government units to strictly implement minimum health and safety standards.

“Regardless of how they sort of show their social or physical kind of relationship, ang sa atin ho 'yung minimum social distancing,” Usana disclosed in a phone interview.

Usana explained police officers do not have the luxury of time to ask persons if they are couples and living in one house.

Usana said police officers will not immediately arrest couples caught doing PDAs but will just caution them on the first offense.

“Hindi naman kailangan pulis ay magtatanong every now and then kasi we

don't have the time para tanungin (kung) kayo ho ba ay mga lovers…Kahit na siguro couples sila pero the fact they are sort of setting an example for others to follow na magka-holding hands.

Usana reminded people that they should also be responsible for their actions and should always take frontliners into consideration, especially the healthcare workers who have been sacrificing their safety to keep COVID-19 at bay.

He added the government's decision to ease quarantine measures does not mean people should ignore health and safety protocols in public.

“Kailangan meron tayong self-discipline at mas mataas na sense of responsibility,” Usana noted.

Last year, the government’s announcement that only legally married couples can ride together in motorcycles received bashing from netizens.

This policy was later relaxed and motorcycle barriers were also no longer required for back-riders who live in the same residence as the driver. However, they must present proof that they are living in the same house to avoid being apprehended or cited for violation of the rules.

War on love?

The PNP leadership should clarify the announcement of their spokesman on PDA, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said on Wednesday, March 10. 

“On its face, (Usana’s) statement seems to be a police declaration of war on love, and not on COVID. If these are the new rules of romantic engagement during LDR – love in Duterte's rule – then I believe that the President would not agree to it,” Recto pointed out.

If all acts of PDA are prohibited – harmless kisses, holding hands, hugs – then the rules border on the absurd, the senator stated.

“Will the ban include the ‘mano po’ of kids to their grandparents, as it falls under the standard definition of affectionate acts? Or how about the wife at the back of a bike holding her husband tight for dear life, will her hug be prohibited, too?” Recto asked.

“Take note, the PNP spokesman's statement frowns upon public display of lovey-dovey ‘for health reasons.’ So a couple who shares a bed at night cannot kiss each other goodbye on the street when they go their separate ways to work and should just text each other kiss emojis?” he argued.” Ang bait naman ni COVID that it doesn't harm couples making out in private. This is a scientific eureka moment worthy of a Nobel Prize.” 

Recto stressed communication is an important tool in fighting the pandemic. 

“Words can move – and frighten – a nation. When you wield a loud microphone, don't treat it like a police whistle you can blow anytime,” he said.

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