The Cebu City government has lifted the mandatory use and wearing of face masks in public open places except in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
Executive order no. 5 signed by Mayor Michael Rama issued on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 31, stated that the use and wearing of face masks within the jurisdiction of Cebu City is "non-obligatory."
The order indicated that wearing a face mask is not required in outdoor and open spaces “subject to the discretion of the Mayor in exceptional circumstances.”
The order noted that although Cebu City adheres to the non-obligatory use of face masks within its area, it respects the "rights of individuals for self-preservation and protection."
All establishments, businesses, entities, buildings, and facilities are also granted a choice to determine whether or not it is required to use and wear face masks in their respective areas.
“In so doing, all establishments, businesses, and entities are hereby mandated to formulate a reasonable policy for the purpose and to implement the same in line with self-regulation,” it added.
Persons who are immuno-compromised, sick, and have flu-like symptoms are advised to stay at home and seek immediate medical consultation, the EO reads.
They are nonetheless still mandated to wear face masks outside the residence.
It said that all individuals, establishments, and entities are directed to promote self-regulation and control to prompt health and prevent COVID-19 infection surges.
Meanwhile, the Malacañang and the Department of Health (DOH) have a different take on Cebu City's decision.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles in a press briefing, said the Palace “respects” Rama’s plan to ease mandatory face masks for it has jurisdiction over his own city.
“We respect the mandate of local governments over their own jurisdictions. The President has no reaction to this as of yet,” she said.
Health officer-in-charge (OIC) Maria Rosario Verjere in a separate press conference said that “a city within a country cannot act on its own.”
“Hindi pwede na may isang lugar sa bansa na nagpapatupad ng kanilang protocol habang ang rest ng country are implementing the other side of the protocol o magkaiba,” she affirmed.
Verjere said the Cebu mayor did not consult the health department regarding the ease of mask protocol.
She added that the decision for the implementation of said policy should be under the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) jurisdiction.
