cdn mobile

Plans to make Cebu province’s ‘optional’ face masks policy into local law pushed

By: Morexette Marie B. Erram - Multimedia Reporter - CDN Digital | June 13,2022 - 06:41 PM

face mask

STOCK PHOTO

CEBU CITY, Philippines — There is a proposal to turn Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s controversial policy regarding the wearing of face masks into a law. 

Reelected Provincial Board Member, Lawyer John Ismael Borgonia, of Cebu’s 3rd District is set to file an ordinance that seeks to formally make Executive Order (EO) No. 16 into law.  

A copy of the draft of the proposed ordinance, titled An Ordinance Rationalizing the Wearing of Face Masks within the Province of Cebu, was released to members of the media.

Borgonia also confirmed that they had already received the Certificate of Urgency from Garcia in order to prioritize the ordinance’s fate in their upcoming deliberation. 

The Provincial Board, the Capitol’s legislative body, is also set to hold a special session this Tuesday, June 14, to tackle the proposed ordinance.

They were supposed to bring it up during their regular session on Monday, June 13. However, the body failed to reach a quorum since several members are still on post-election leaves. 

Garcia did not give in to the pressure from national government agencies to reconsider her decision of dropping the mandatory wearing of face masks, one of the most effective health protocols in curbing the spread of COVID-19, in outdoor areas in Cebu province.

On Monday, she said EO No. 16 would stay. 

The EO, signed last June 8 and released on June 9, sparked debates and discussions from experts and national officials nationwide. 

Several Senators such as Koko Pimentel and newly elected Robin Padilla backed the governor. 

Meanwhile, others expressed opposition, saying that Garcia’s newest EO ran contrary to the policies made by the national government’s anti-COVID-19 task force. 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr., acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, both have warned police in Cebu to ensure face masks were being worn at all times. Otherwise, they may face consequences such as being compelled to resign.

RELATED STORIES

Gwen stands by ‘optional’ face mask policy

DILG policy on mask to prevail in Cebu – PNP

Some senators back Gwen’s EO on wearing of face masks

DILG seeks adjustments to Cebu’s optional rule on masking outdoors

/dbs

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Read Next

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.

TAGS: Cebu Daily News, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, cebu news, Cebu province, Face masks, Provincial Board
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.