Atty. Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr.
DILG Secretary

Yesterday, Mayor Mike Rama of Cebu City issued a statement denying the deferment of the implementation of Executive Order No. 5 s. 2022 which declares the wearing of face masks as non-mandatory throughout the City of Cebu beginning September 1, 2022.

There seems to be a miscommunication as to what Mayor Rama and I discussed regarding the issue. I respect the statement of Mayor Rama, and I fully intend to keep communication lines open to give him the opportunity to explain his position and basis behind the enactment of the city-wide order.

Notwithstanding, I remain firm and steadfast in my commitment to raise this issue to the IATF and make Cebu City a pilot city that will help assess the lifting of masking protocols in outdoor areas and wide open spaces.

Ang DILG ay mananatiling kaisa ng bawat sektor, lalung-lalo na ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa bansa, sa pagprotekta sa kalusugan ng mamamayan at masiguro ang ating unti-unting pagbangon mula sa pandemyang dulot ng COVID-19.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Statement-on-the-Continued-Implementation-of-Non-Obligatory-Face-Mask-Policy-in-Cebu-City/NC-2022-1133