DTI chief says viral mall violation vids are fake news

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez stated that viral images and videos showing social distancing violations in newly reopened malls are fake news, as mall attendance was only at 20% capacity.

Lopez presented pictures to the House Defeat COVID-19 Committee (DCC) that indicated low attendance in malls during a virtual hearing.

He personally inspected several malls in Metro Manila that are usually crowded on Sundays and observed that the number of people was not as large as depicted in viral videos.

Lopez noted that only supermarkets and drugstores were fully operational, with food areas limited to take-out and delivery services.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that some people disregarded physical distancing but defended the decision to place Metro Manila under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to revitalize the economy.

Roque warned that the MECQ status could revert to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) if health protocols are not followed.

He highlighted the country's limited health services capacity, with only 13,457 COVID-19 bed capacity available.

Roque also cautioned mall owners that they could face closure or criminal liability under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act if they fail to strictly implement health protocols.