Former PBB housemate and It’s Showtime Girl Trend member Dawn Chang joined the many celebrities who reacted to the ironic opening of Manila Bay Dolomite Beach.
In a tweet, Dawn pointed out the irony of the government’s policy against mass gathering while opening the artificial white beach to the public.
“We prohibit social gathering but opened this [artificial] white sand bay to the public. LOLS”
We prohibit social gathering but opened this aritifical white sand bay to the public. LOLS https://t.co/atb8LrYXTb
— Dawn Chang (@thedawnchang) September 20, 2020
Currently, Metro Manila is still under General Community Quarantine which prohibits mass gathering as a health measure to address the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
However, on Saturday, September 19, the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources together with the Manila government opened the Manila Bay dolomite beach to the public attracting hundreds of Manila and nearby residents to flock to the bay ignoring health and safety protocols.
Social distancing was not observed as people gathered to see the artificial white sand beach in Manila Bay. Senior citizens and babies were also present with many not wearing face mask posing the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 virus.
Aside from Dawn, several netizens have also scored the government for the misplaced priorities and double standard implementation of COVID-19 guidelines.
https://twitter.com/maronnecruz/status/1307556894211481600
whoever thought of opening the beach front at this time should be equally held responsible.
some people (yes, you denr and manila lgu) put hundreds in harm’s way just to prove their point that people will love and support their controversial project.https://t.co/WByh1PWVit
— Lynda Jumilla-Abalos (@lyndajumilla) September 20, 2020
I support opening public spaces -parks, campuses, and nature spots- where people can pursue recreational activities w/ physical distancing.
But I do not support opening an artificial, expensive, unnecessary, and potentially-unsafe beach in Manila Bay without safety protocols.
— Gideon Lasco (@gideonlasco) September 19, 2020
Junk Terror Bill Protest, June 2020
Manila Bay White Sand Opening, September 2020Ano na? pic.twitter.com/5eICYlVDfY
— Aa (@chiechumacera) September 20, 2020
no social distancing just the incompetence of this govt for opening manila bay in public 😍😍 https://t.co/XafeFcyScf
— noel 🇵🇸 (@noelception) September 19, 2020
Box Office: Philippines’ “Manila Bay” nabs the biggest opening weekend of 2020 as if there’s no pandemic.
CTTO of the photos. pic.twitter.com/JN6IO6pbaU
— Taylor Sis (@the_oROEGINals) September 20, 2020
Yorme talaga of all people…
Isn't he the same man who has said before that COVID-19 should be made a topmost priority?
Why did he not discourage the opening of the Manila Bay to hundreds of visitors while the pandemic is still around?
— Queen Pinksweets 🌷 #NoToPaxSilica (@QueenPinksweets) September 20, 2020
Meanwhile, a day after the opening, Ermita police Chief Ariel Caramoan was administratively relieved for failure to enforce the minimum health protocol during the Manila Bay opening.
Rappler in their report confirmed with Manila Police District Chief Brigadier General Rolando Miranda that Caramoan was relieved from his post following the uproar on social media about not following the standard health protocol during the event.
“Titingnan natin kung mayroon siyang pagkukulang sa nangyari. Kung wala naman, ibabalik naman natin siya,” said Miranda.
Meanwhile, in a statement Sunday, the Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield, said Caramoan “should have taken the initiative in planning and implementing strict security and health safety measures” during the opening of Manila Bay’s dolomite beach.
“Caramoan could have prevented the quarantine protocol violations at the Manila Bay if there [were] prior planning and regular monitoring of the situation in the area,” (JTF) COVID Shield said.