PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque urged local government units (LGUs) on Monday, November 8, to adhere to policies issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) following the lifting of mandatory wearing of face shield in the City of Manila.
Roque said while he agrees that the mandatory wearing of a face shield should be scrapped, the IATF is still studying the matter.
“Ang IATF exercises derivative authorities from the President at dahil ang mga lahat ng mayor ay nasa control and supervision pa rin ng President, kinakailangan lahat ng mayor ay sumunod pa rin po sa mga polisiya ng IATF hanggat hindi po ito nababago,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.
(The IATF exercises derivative authorities from the President and because all mayors are under the control and supervision of the President, they must adhere to policies set by the IATF.)
“Baka naman po ma-lift na. Konting pasensya lang. Sundin muna natin ang chain of command sa executive branch of government (It might be lifted. Just a little patience. Let’s follow the chain command of the executive branch of the government),” he added.
Roque made the statement when asked to comment on the executive order issued and signed by Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, making wearing of face shield in the city non-mandatory except in hospitals, clinics and similar facilities.
The basis of Domagoso’s order were the de-escalation of alert level status in Metro Manila following the decrease of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country and the position of majority of the Cabinet members in favor of the lifting of the policy.
Roque said Domagoso’s order may be considered “null and void,” as it violates the existing executive policy decreed by President Rodrigo Duterte in the exercise of police powers.
He said it will be up to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to address the matter.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Behur Abalos Jr. earlier said that the Metro Manila Council has already agreed to make wearing of face shield non-mandatory.
He said they have already submitted their recommendation to the IATF.
Earlier, presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte issued an executive order making wearing of face shields in 3Cs settings — crowded places, closed contact settings and closed spaces voluntary.
In September, the IATF lifted the mandatory wearing of face shields outdoors while limited its use in 3Cs settings. (SunStar Philippines)