Sotto appeals loosening lockdown restrictions to allow religious gatherings
September 16, 2021 06:06 PM
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III appeals to the IATF to review restrictions on prohibiting religious gatherings under the new lockdown classification.
"Religious services and activities help people by providing a spiritual support system, helping in the reduction of psychological stress, and promoting good mental health during this time of the pandemic."
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III asked the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), who are the government pandemic regulators, to reconsider the ban on physical religious gatherings for areas under the new granular lockdowns.
He suggested allowing at least ten percent seating capacity in churches and other places of worship.
"Religious services and activities help people by providing a spiritual support system, helping in the reduction of psychological stress, and promoting good mental health during this time of the pandemic," Sotto reasoned.
While he understands the government needs to protect the public from further spreading COVID, Sotto argued they should also address the fact that people have spiritual needs especially in trying times such as the present.
"Besides, churches have been faithfully complying with the government's strict health protocols and have never been remiss in reminding the faithful to follow the necessary protocols while attending evangelical Masses and other religious activities," Sotto added.
