On Tuesday, Malacañang underlined that the national government’s mandatory face mask directive continues. This clarification comes after Cebu’s local government’s new policy on wearing masks.
Last week, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced that masks are optional in well-ventilated open spaces. This goes against the national mandate to use anti-COVID masks in all public areas.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar stated, “The chief executive’s directive is clear: continue wearing face masks.”
Andanar also said that the Palace supports Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s legal opinion that IATF’s instruction must prevail over any local government unit’s order.
The interior department of IATF rejected Cebu’s new face mask policy. The department has also instructed the Philippine National Police to apprehend those who are violating health protocols.