LGUs told to enforce health protocols as 2022 poll bets start 'meet and greet'

It is the responsibility of the local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce all health protocols especially with the start of the ‘meet and greet’ ploys of the political bets and parties that attract huge crowds all over the country, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua said Tuesday, Nov. 9.

He stressed that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is monitoring if the LGUs need to be up on their toes on mass gathering events and check if the face mask, face shield and social distancing protocols are strictly observed in these traditional political practices.

Kung hindi ako nagkakamali (If I am not mistaken) there were a couple of gatherings na (already) or maybe one sa media ko lang naman nabalitaan na pinagtingnan (to the LGU) po ng DILG kung naeenforce nga yung health standards (which I learned from the media that the DILG is asking if the health standards were followed),’’ Cua said in an interview over ABS-CBN.

With the recent face shield brouhaha, Cua hopes that no preferential deals are accorded to any firm adding that so far he is unaware of any such illicit transactions.

He admitted having heard expert opinions and inputs of the doctors and health experts on the face shield issue.

When pressed if the LGUs' authority should take precedence over the national government, Cua emphasized that “it is a delicate balance’’ since the law states the localities autonomy with the mayors and local officials that are passing ordinances are elected by the people.

“So meron talaga sila (local officials) ng pinanggagalingan mandato kung saan nanggagaling naman yung kanilan puwersa na magbigay ng (local) rules and regulations (So they have the mandate where their powers are emanated to enforce rules and regulations),’’ he added.

However, Cua noted that the local chief executives (LCE) at the same time “recognize the supervisory powers of our President through his alter ego the Department of the Interior and Local (DILG) secretary but maintained “it's a delicate balance.’’

The ULAP chief insisted that the harmonious relationship of the LGUs and the national government is essential and of prime importance citing that the face shield rule may be enforced in the LGUs on a selective basis.

Sana yan ang tinitingnan namin na posibilidad. Kasi siyempre sa amin sa probinsya

alam niyo naman mas maraming open spaces sa probinsya. Marami tayong parks, marami tayong mga sports complex na maluluwag at open air (places) at maraming lugar na puwedeng mamasyal na medyo safe naman ang mga pamilya natin. (That is the possibility we are looking at. Because actually in the provinces, you all know that there are lots of open spaces. There are many parks, spacious sports complexes and open air and safe places where families can visit),’’ Cua said.

He noted that hopefully these circumstances allow the LGUs to have the “flexibility to determine under certain guidelines and parameters’’ referred to as the 3Cs or close places, crowded locations and close contacts which the localities are willing to follow. (Chito A. Chavez)