MAYOR Sara Duterte commended the City Council for passing an ordinance penalizing the non-wearing of face masks in public as she observed that people still continue to defy the recommendation of health experts.
The chief executive said that it is about time the city imposes fines on those who do not wear face masks.
Since the start of the quarantine, the local government has never stopped reminding Davaoeños to protect themselves and others by washing their hands, refraining from touching their faces, observing physical distancing, and wearing their masks.
“Sa pagka-karon, aduna na tay makit-an nga uban nga mo-comply or dili. So, there is a need already na maghatag na og penalty sa mga tao nga dili magsuot og face mask because ang face mask gyud ang atoang first line of defense against COVID-19 (Now, we still see some people who do not comply. So, there is a need already to impose a penalty on those people who do not wear face masks. The face masks are our first line of defense against COVID-19),” she said in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio on Friday.
The City Council on Tuesday, July 7, passed a city ordinance under suspended rules requiring the use of masks whenever in public places where social distancing is not possible. The ordinance takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The ordinance requires the use of face masks in all public places during the community quarantine or until the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted.
Violators of the ordinance have to pay an administrative fee of P500 for the first offense; P2,000 for the second offense; and, P5,000 or one-month imprisonment for the third offense.
Aside from requiring Davaoños to wear face masks in public places, the ordinance also requires all private and public establishments to put up signs such as ‘No Mask, No Entry’ in their premises.
“By wearing your face mask, you are helping your city, your government controls the increase in cases. And of course, you are protecting people in your household—children and senior citizens,” she said.
