Village chiefs tasked to catch protocol violators

Village heads are now running after violators of safety protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This, after Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order No. 154 “Deputizing Punong Barangays to Implement Compliance of the Minimum Health Standards Enforced by the Iloilo City Government.”

They are mandated to show courtesy at all times but shall seek the assistance of police officers if necessary to enforce laws and ordinances relative to COVID-19.

They should ensure the following rules:

All persons while in public shall always wear face masks that cover the nose and mouth to prevent droplets from escaping and possibly infecting others;

Strict observance to physical distancing of at least one meter apart from the other person and markers are observed and used by all persons; and

passengers and drivers observe a “no mask, no ride” policy in Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), taxis and Transport Network Vehicles Services (TNVS).

They will also issue citation tickets to violators.

This is provided under Regulation Ordinance (RO) No. 2020-085 Amending the Penalties of RO No. 2020-061 Mandating the Wearing of Face Mask or Face Covering in Public During Pandemic Period to Increase the Fine and Include the Community Service.

First offense: P1,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for three successive days or both, upon discretion of court;

second offense: P2,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for five successive days or both, upon discretion of court; and

third offense: P5,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for five successive days or both, upon discretion of court.

RO No. 2020-066 Implementing Physical Distancing provides P5,000 fine for first offense for establishments and P500 for offenders.

Information dissemination on hygiene and sanitary practices will be shown to constituents through media platforms and other strategic locations in their respective jurisdictions.

Punong Barangays shall directly coordinate with Iloilo City Compliance Team Head Fernando Jose Rico for the implementation.

No Punong Barangay or compliance officer deputized is allowed to close any business or solicit money. (Iloilo City PIO)