The directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on wearing face masks is "clear," according to the Malacañang, following the order of the provincial government of Cebu to ease the wearing of face masks in open and outdoor spaces.
"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.
The Palace made the statement after Cebu Governor Garcia issued an executive order (EO) last week 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.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier pointed out that the IATF’s directives were supported by President Rodrigo 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.
