DILG Speaks on Cebu’s Order to Lift Mandatory Face Mask Policy Outdoors
DILG – The Department of Interior and Local Government set a deadline for Cebu to adjust its order that made face masks optional outdoors.
Amid the ongoing fight against the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines, the provincial government of Cebu lifted the mandatory face mask policy outdoors. Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia stressed the progress in the COVID situation in the province and the happenings in other countries like Singapore where the mandatory wearing of face masks was lifted, too.
In an executive order, Garcia made the wearing of face masks in open spaces and well-ventilated areas optional. Meanwhile, those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 must wear a face mask even outdoors.
However, the provincial order in Cebu did not earn the affirmation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
According to DOH, the Cebu provincial government should have consulted the IATF who leads the implementation of the protocols against the spread of COVID-19. The interior department asserted the mandatory face mask order nationwide citing that unmasked individuals may be arrested if necessary.
Garcia responded to DILG saying that arresting unmasked individuals have no legal basis. She wants the move to not be punitive. Recently, Malacañang revealed its side on the issue and asserted that the mandate of the president is clear that the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors remains.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, DILG set a deadline for Cebu’s provincial government to “amend, rectify, adjust their ordinance” and make it consistent with the mandatory face mask rule nationwide.
Interior Department Sec. Eduardo Año asserted that the national mandate must be followed over local executive orders. Reportedly, the Interior Department is giving the provincial government of Cebu “maybe over a weekend” to apply the adjustments to their local order, or else they “will do whatever is necessary”.
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