CEBU CITY – Cebu has eased up its policy on the wearing of face masks but two major cities in Metro Cebu are not about to follow suit just yet.
For Mayor Michael Rama here, it is not the right time yet for the city to duplicate the move of Cebu, which has made the wearing of face masks in open spaces optional.
Geographical-wise, Rama said Cebu City and Cebu have different situations, saying it is in this city where more people converge.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has issued an executive order (EO) that made the wearing of face masks optional in open spaces or well-ventilated areas.
Garcia’s move became controversial after the Department of the Interior and Local Government insisted that it is not recognizing the lady governor’s EO.
The Cebu governor reasoned that her EO is meant to rationalize the use of face masks. “I am just formalizing what is being practiced. That is why I said I am rationalizing,” Garcia said in press briefing Friday, June 10.
Rama said the issue will be up for discussion with various stakeholders tasked to oversee the city’s measures against the spread of Covid-19.
“I will bring it to the convergence but personally as of now, the readiness of the City of Cebu would definitely be dependent upon the convergence. But as of today, I’m telling I’m not anywhere near to be issuing any executive order,” Rama said.
In Mandaue City, the wearing of face masks remains mandatory in open or enclosed areas.
Lawyer John Eddu Ibañez, chief of staff of Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, said the city’s policy on wearing a face mask in public places is contained in a city ordinance.
Ibañez said the only time that wearing of face masks will no longer be mandatory is when the City Council amends the ordinance.
He reminded the public that under the ordinance, a fine of P5,000 will be imposed on individuals who will be caught not wearing or not properly wearing face masks.