Malacañang Speaks on Mandatory Face Mask Policy in PH
MALACAÑANG – Amid issues on the lifting of the mandatory face mask policy in Cebu by its provincial government, the Palace spoke its side.
Recently, there are issues regarding the status of the face mask protocol in the province of Cebu. Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia previously released an executive order lifting the mandatory face mask policy in the province.
The E.O. of Garcia makes the wearing of a face mask optional in open spaces and well-ventilated areas. Those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID[-19 must still wear a face mask even outdoors.
According to Garcia, several countries including Singapore have eased their restrictions. She cited the progress in the COVID situation in Cebu as the reason behind her decision to make the wearing of face masks optional outdoors.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) were quick to react to the E.O. released by the provincial government of Cebu.
DOH stressed that the provincial government should have coordinated with the IATF that sets the orders regarding the country’s COVID fight. The Interior Department asserted that those who will be caught not wearing a face mask in public will be arrested if necessary.
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia justified that there is no legal basis for arresting unmasked individuals in public. According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, the Cebu Governor may face charges if the cases in the province will have a surge.
Amid the issues on the wearing of face masks outdoors in Cebu, Malacañang broke its silence. The Palace stressed that the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is clear that the public must “continue wearing face masks”.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Malacañang also expressed its support on Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s statement that the IATF resolution on the mandatory wearing of face masks shall prevail over the executive orders of the local government units.
“The Chief Executive’s directive is clear: Continue wearing face masks,” acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said.
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