Bong Go calls for voluntary wearing of face masks as flu-like cases rise in PH

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his call for Filipinos to maintain vigilance and to comply with health protocols as the number of flu-like cases rise in the country. 

“Let’s not be complacent. If it’s not too burdensome let’s still wear face masks,” said Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.

“If we were able to do it for two years, we can do it again even if it’s no longer mandatory,” he said. 

The Department of Health (DOH) currently rejects implementing border controls despite the recent surge of respiratory illnesses reported in China. 

Health authorities have noted that the rise in respiratory cases in Beijing became noticeable since mid-October. 

In November, there have been reports of clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in several children’s hospital in China. 

To this, Go advised the public to consider the government’s health program providing accessible healthcare, particularly for early disease detection.

He cited the existing Malasakit Centers which bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), that the public can consider going to.

“As chairman of the committee on health, I would advise us to be very cautious. Let us take care of our health,” he said.

“I also call on the DOH to closely monitor the rising number of flu cases and the situation in other countries,” added Go.

“Let’s not wait for the situation to worsen that we have to go back to stricter measures and eventually force us to close our economy once again,” he said, recalling the country’s experience during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asked if there is a need to reinstate the mandatory wearing of face masks, Go said he doesn’t see the need as of the moment.

“My personal assessment is that there is still no need. But we have to be careful. That’s why I encourage everyone, that even though wearing face masks is not mandatory let’s still wear it. 

“I’m glad to see that some of our people are still wearing face mask. The threat of the virus is still here so let’s be vigilant,” Go stressed.