The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) on Tuesday passed unanimously the ordinance which adopts the executive order issued by Gov. Gwen Garcia on easing the mandatory use of face masks in open spaces.
The local legislative body adopted the controversial measure after roughly 30 minutes of the first, second, and final reading. A total of 13 out of 17 Board Members were present during Tuesday’s special session, and none expressed opposition to the ordinance.
"Well, people can go out of their respective homes and they should no longer be afraid of being arrested by law enforcers in their respective barangays and municipalities. We have an ordinance passed," said John Ismael Borgonia, PB’s committee of laws chair told reporters.
Last June 8, Garcia issued an executive order that effectively makes wearing face masks in well-ventilated areas an option, and no longer a requirement.
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.
However, the rule has been facing criticisms from the national government, which had insisted on the continuous use of face masks in public.
"The Chief Executive's directive is clear: Continue wearing face masks," acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a statement.
"We reiterate and support the legal opinion of the Justice Secretary that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) resolution on the mandatory wearing of face masks shall prevail over the executive orders by local government units, including the one issued by the provincial government of Cebu," he added.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier pointed out that the IATF’s directives were supported by Duterte’s own orders.
“As between an executive order issued by the president, as manifested in resolutions issued by the IATF composed of alter egos of the president, on one hand, and executive orders issued by local government units, on the other hand, the former shall prevail,” Guevarra said.
