PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered the public to “continue wearing face masks” after Cebu province came up with a different policy.
Last week, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has announced to make anti-COVID masks use optional in well-ventilated and open spaces. This is despite the national government’s directive to use masks in all public areas.
“The Chief Executive’s directive is clear: Continue wearing face masks,” acting Palace spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a statement.
He said Malacañang “reiterates and supports” the legal opinion of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that the inter-agency task force (IATF) resolution on the mandatory wearing of face masks “shall prevail over the executive orders by local government units, including the one issued by the provincial government of Cebu.”
Guevarra on Monday said the IATF resolution is “incorporated in and/or enabled by executive orders” issued by the President, who has supervision over local governments.
The IATF is composed of Cabinet secretaries who are alter egos of the President, Guevarra added.
Andanar said the interior department has instructed the Philippine National Police “to implement the existing IATF resolution on wearing of face masks accordingly.”
