Stay updated with breaking news from John eddu ibanez. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (File photo) MANILA - Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said on Thursday that Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has agreed in principle to temporarily hold the executive order making the wearing of face masks in the city's open spaces non-obligatory. Abalos said this came following his talk with the local chief executive on Wednesday night, committing to immediately bring up the matter to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). "In fact, I am going to even further suggest to make Cebu City the pilot implementer of this measure since the city has always been first in espousing non-masking policies outdoors for the ease and benefit of its people amid the pandemic," he added in a statement. Abalos reiterated that the country is still in a state of national health emergency and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has repeatedly called for the public to be vigilant and proactive i ....
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. (Screengrab from Cebu Capitol PIO video) CEBU CITY - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday said the executive order she issued making the wearing of face masks optional in open-space and well-ventilated areas is to ease the burden of her pandemic-fatigued constituents. In a press conference, Garcia explained that there is nothing in Executive Order No. 16 that totally scraps the wearing of face masks, adding that it is still required in close and air-conditioned spaces but optional in well-ventilated and open spaces. The order, she said, is rationalizing the situation amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. "We are not saying do not use face masks. It's your choice. Those that would wish to breathe in pure oxygen, the more beneficial sea air, then please, let's not bring the wearing of face masks to ridiculous levels," she said. However, Garcia advised the members of the provincial police not to apprehend anyone who is foun ....