Ordinance on mandatory use of face masks pushed

By Dolly Yasa

Bacolod City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod here approved on first reading an ordinance requiring the mandatory use of face mask and observance of social-distancing in all public places.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairperson of the city Inter-Agency Task Force against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) said the ordinance is part of preventive measures against COVID-19 as the city  shifts to General Community Quarantine starting May 16.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Archie Baribar mandates that all persons in public places must wear face masks.

Also covered by the ordinance are occupants of public or private vehicles and persons inside offices or places accessible to the general public.

Any person who fails to wear the required face mask or observe social-distancing as defined under the ordinance, will be fined P500 or eight hours community service in the barangay where he resides within the next 24 hours from apprehension.

If the violator is not a resident of Bacolod City, he/she will be fined P1,000.

Familiaran said another ordinance they are pushing aims to restrict the movements of people and suspend fiestas in the barangays and puroks.

The SP might also come up with an ordinance that will impose penalties on curfew violations since the city only has an existing curfew ordinance for minors.