Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has been pushing for the lifting of the policy that requires individuals to wear face shields in public due to the lack of scientific proof.
On November 8, Moreno issued Executive Order No. 42, declaring the use of face shields as “non-mandatory,” except in hospitals or medical facilities— a move opposed by Malacañang.
“A few months ago, I’ve been asking them to please study the effect or benefits of face shields, they have not done their assignment,” Moreno said in an earlier interview with another media outlet.
“What they want us to do is something that is not science-based,” he also said, noting that the Philippines is the only country to impose the mandatory use of face shields.
Moreno also emphasized that face shields have been particularly challenging for the elderly and those with asthma-related comorbidity. Moreover, face shields also translate to an additional cost to Filipinos.
Sampong piso araw-araw, P300 sa isang buwan. Ang pinakamasarap na bigas P60. Limang kilong bigas ‘yang ninanakaw o nawawala sa tao. Pahirap sa tao,” he said.
“Buti sana kung may science o may basis.”
The issuance was opposed by the national government with then-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque dismissing it as “null and void,” but the Manila mayor stood by his decision.
It was not until November 15 that President Rodrigo Duterte announced the lifting of the mandatory use of face shields in areas under Alert Levels 1-3.
Moreno has been advocating for the use of COVID-19 drugs, such as tocilizumab and remdesivir, as additional measures in response to the pandemic; on top of the vaccination drive.
