DILG: “LGUs should, therefore, take the lead in ensuring compliance from the public to the indoor and public transport face mask rule in their respective areas”
DILG — The Department of the Interior and Local Government urged the local government units (LGUs) to strictly implement the policy that requires the wearing of face masks in indoor places and public transportation.
On Tuesday, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. said that LGUs should take the lead in ensuring compliance from the public to the public transport and indoor face mask policy in their respective areas.
He also ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help the LGUs in making sure that the public transport and indoor face masks policy is observed by the public.
However, the DILG Secretary pointed out that high-risk individuals such as immunocompromised individuals, senior citizens, and those who are not fully vaccinated are still strongly encouraged to wear their face masks and observe physical distancing at all times.
Abalos issued the call after expressing full support to Executive Order (EO) No. 3 of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. which lifts the mandatory face mask use in outdoor spaces.
READ ALSO: President Bongbong Marcos OKs Voluntary Use Of Face Mask In Outdoor Settings
EO 3 issued by the Office of the President last September 12, 2022, allows the voluntary wearing of face masks non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation and in open spaces and reiterated the continued implementation of minimum public health standards.
The said EO stated that that face masks are still mandatory in public transportation by land, air, and sea; in indoor settings; and in outdoor settings where physical distancing can’t be maintained.
Abalos emphasized that LGUs must continue the implementation of minimum public health standards in their respective jurisdictions despite a more lax face mask mandate and ensure that compliance on the provisions of EO 3 is observed down to the villages.
He also emphasized that the signing of the said EO is a clear signal to all local government units to move in one accord in terms of the implementation of the face mask policy in their locality.
The DILG Secretary lamented that the focus of local government units should be “ensuring that the policy will not be abused and that people are still protected from the virus.”
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