City Gov. mandates use of Facemask amid COVID-19

May 9, 2020 Headlines

Going to public places without wearing a face mask during COVID-19 times is now unlawful in the City of Baguio.
The city council, during the regular session on May 4, approved on third and final reading an ordinance seeking to mandate the wearing of face masks by all persons in the city during the declared state of emergency over Coronavirus pandemic.
The ordinance was signed on May 7 by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Under the ordinance, the following acts are prohibited: Leaving one’s home to go to public places, buildings, national roads or highways, sidewalks, walkways, public conveyance, and other similar establishments without wearing a mask; going to workplaces/work spaces, whether enclosed or outdoor, without wearing a mask; Plying city roads, alleyways, or streets, whether riding a public or private vehicle or a motorcycle, without wearing a face mask; and Transacting business with any person without putting on a face mask.
Furthermore, under the ordinance, face mask profiteers and hoarders and those who manipulate the prices of face masks being sold to the general public shall be penalized.
Persons or entities found to have committed any of the aforementioned prohibitions shall be fined P1, 000.00 for the first offense, P2, 000.00 for the second offense, and P3,000.00 & cancellation of business permit, if applicable, for the third offense.
Moreover, the ordinance states that violators may be subject to sanctions as provided for in Republic Act No. 11332 or the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines and other applicable existing laws/ordinances.
The ordinance authorizes the City Health Services Office, the Baguio City Police Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Public Order and Safety Division, the Permits and Licensing Division, and barangay officials to enforce the rules and regulations indicated herein.
The Public Information Office of the city, in coordination with the City Mayor’s Office and the Permits and Licensing Division, shall transmit copies of the ordinance to every PNP station or precinct within the city, and to all existing establishments that are licensed to operate and sell face masks; shall provide officers of the PNP and other deputized enforcers a primer of the ordinance; and shall immediately send a notice to the barangays about the mandate of the ordinance.
The ordinance states there is a need to remain vigilant against the highly contagious disease as we go about our lives while our communities continuously adjust to every Coronavirus development.
According to the ordinance, despite the uncertainty of when the enhanced community quarantine will be lifted or relaxed or whether it will be extended, requiring the use of face masks shall be the city’s standing policy until the COVID-19 threat is completely eliminated.
The ordinance notes Executive Order No. 70, s. 2020 (Mandating the Use of Facemasks by All Persons within the Jurisdiction of Baguio City) issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on April 4.
Jordan G. Habbiling/ABN