The Department of Interior and Local government (DILG) is looking to send a show-cause order against Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia following its mandate of easing the use of face masks in outdoor settings.
In a press briefing, DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said the order would be the last step if ever Garcia would still push through with the rules that are unaligned with the national government.
"That should be the last step, sending a show-cause order to the good governor but in the meantime, we’ll have to ask our officials in the region to talk to the governor to make some adjustments in the executive order,” Densing said.
"There’s a good intent by the executive order of Gov. Gwen but more importantly, we should most probably look into the details that it should be aligned with what is pronounced by the president," he added.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año declared that it will not recognize Cebu's easing of face mask rules.
"This Department does not recognize the Executive Order issued by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia because we have the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) Guidelines approved by the President," said Año in a statement.
On Thursday, Cebu Governor Garcia issued an executive order (EO) easing the use of face masks in the province.
According to the EO, face masks will be optional in well-ventilated and open spaces, and will only be required in close and/or air-conditioned spaces, and for those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
The public, however, is still urged to use them when in crowded outdoor areas.
