By: Elena Grace Flores
UNTV News and Rescue
[VIDEO]: Cebu City lifts mandatory face mask policy
Mayor Mike Rama’s Claim
Cebu Mayor Mike Rama issues his executive order no. 5 saying that wearing face masks in the city is not mandatory starting immediately. This is in line with Gov. Gwen Garcia’s EO No. 16 for the province of Cebu earlier. The mayor’s decision is based on the 106% vaccination rate in the city. His claim means, that most Cebuanos are already vaccinated. He is already confident in handling the Covid infection in the area.
The DOH’s Say
Meanwhile, the Department of Health’s OIC, Maria Rosario Vergeire confronts the claim of Mayor Rama. She said that an island cannot be an island across the country. They were allegedly not consulted with regard to the removal of face masks. Therefore, it’s their mandate to let Cebu follow the national protocols. Meanwhile, the DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said that he has spoken to Rama. In principle, he agreed to hold the implementation of his EO.
The Cebuano’s Judgment
Face masks are now optional in Cebu except in hospitals and likely areas. Most people favor the mayor’s executive order. They have to take responsibility for deciding when to wear masks to avoid further sickness or infections. This could ease the financial burden and the uncomfortable situations they are in now.
