CEBU CITY – Two groups composed of elected government officials support the move of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to make the wearing of face masks in open areas optional.
The Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Cebu Provincial Federation and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter issued separate resolutions expressing support to controversial Executive Order (EO) No. 16 that Garcia issued last June 8.
PCL-Cebu’s resolution was signed by its members, including its president, Caroline Bacaltos, and secretary-general Thomas Codilla.
LMP-Cebu’s resolution was signed by its president, Liloan, Cebu Mayor Christina Frasco, and San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini Reluya, the group’s secretary. Frasco is the daughter of Garcia.
Garcia’s EO was eventually adopted by the Cebu Provincial Board that made it a provincial ordinance.
In its resolution, the PCL-Cebu said the EO-turned-ordinance is a necessary step towards the new normal.
“A careful reading of the ordinance will tell us that the measure is not an abolition but rather it provides an option for individuals in Cebu Province with certain conditions.”
LMP-Cebu defended the governor’s authority to issue such EO after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) rejected Garcia’s directive.
“The Provincial Governor has the power to issue executive orders pertinent to the times and issues that her constituents are facing as the strict measures adapted during the height of the pandemic could not possibly be responsive nor practical when the Covid-19 situation in the Province of Cebu has in fact lessened in severity,” the LMP-Cebu said.
LMP likewise pointed out that the governor’s EO did not entirely scrap the face mask policy even in open areas. “EO No. 16 emphasized the words required and optional which are duly highlighted,” the group said.