By Donna Rempillo CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Governor Dennis Pineda has approved an ordinance that has set a P20,000 to P50,000 fine for those who would be caught not wearing face masks in public. (CSFP CIO / MANILA BULLETIN) Pineda signed Ordinance No. 756, which was passed by the provincial council as the “Face Mask Ordinance of the province of Pampanga”, requiring the mandatory use of face masks outside places of residence and in public places to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under the new ordinance, a fine of no less than P20,000 to P50,000 or imprisonment of one to six months will be imposed against violators. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) were also mandated to have the authority to revoke or suspend the licenses of violators. The Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as barangay officials, were tasked to enforce the ordinance throughout Pampanga. “All persons within the territorial jurisdiction of the province are directed to wear the prescribed facemasks and observe physical distancing,” the ordinance said. Public and private establishments were also mandated to prohibit the entry of persons without wearing masks. This includes the proper wearing of face masks in all public places – covering the nose and mouth and masks should have no gaps with the face. Commercial establishments were also ordained to put up displays for public notice of the ordinance. Effectivity will last until the Department of Health (DOH) declares that the threat of COVID-19 no longer exists. To date, Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) here has reported 60 confirmed cases with eight deaths, 38 admitted, 14 discharged; 385 suspect cases with 25 died, 125 admitted, 13 discharged, 108 home quarantine, 114 completed home quarantine, and 142 tested negative.