DILG to LGUs: Mask mandate to continue in indoor areas, public transport

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday urged local government units to rigorously implement the country’s mask mandate in indoor places and public transit.

According to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., this is one of the provisions of Executive Order (EO) No. 3 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which made the use of face masks in outdoor spaces voluntary.

“The Department is 100 percent behind President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the implementation of EO 3 on voluntary face mask use outdoors. But while the face mask policy has been made optional in the outdoors, the use of face masks in indoor public and private establishments and in public conveyances shall continue to be enforced, especially now that cases are on the uptick,” he added.

Abalos further stated that LGUs must take the initiative to ensure public compliance with the indoor and public transportation face mask rule in their respective regions.

The DILG chief noted that he has also ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to assist LGUs in ensuring that the indoor and public transport face mask rule is being adhered by the public.

“LGUs and the PNP should coordinate closely in ensuring that the public continues to wear face masks indoors and in public transportation. We are still in the middle of the pandemic and we cannot let our guards down,” he said.

However, Abalos stated that high-risk individuals like senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are not fully vaccinated are still strongly encouraged to wear masks and that physical distancing should be followed at all times.

Issue permits to DOT-accredited facilities only

The DILG, meanwhile, reminded LGUs to only issue permits to operate to primary tourism enterprises (PTEs), such as hotels and resorts that have secured the required accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) pursuant to relevant laws and regulations.

Section 122 of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 states that prior accreditation by the DOT is required for the issuance of a license or permit to operate to PTEs by LGUs, Abalos said.

“Despite the evident booming of our tourism sector following the lull due to the pandemic, PTEs must still abide by tourism laws and regulations. Mahalaga po ang sektor ng turismo sa ating ekonomiya ngunit mahalaga rin na tayo ay sumusunod sa polisiya ng pamahalaan (The tourism sector is an important component of our economy but it is also important that we comply with government policies),” he said.

PTEs refer to accommodation establishments such as hotels, resorts, and homestays; travel and tour services such as travel and tour agencies and tour operators; tourist transport operators (e.g. land, water, and air); meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions; adventure/sports and ecotourism facilities; and, tourism frontliners or tour guides, among others.

Abalos stated that as people start to travel again, PTEs accredited by the DOT will ensure that protocols imposed by the government for the protection of tourists and the PTEs themselves are implemented.

He noted that LGUs should be at the forefront of safeguarding the welfare and safety of tourists by ensuring that PTEs within their jurisdiction adhere to government regulations.

He added that the DOT’s mandate for facilities to get accreditation guarantees the quality of services offered by PTEs is at par with the standards set for the industry, protecting tourists from unreliable transactions from sketchy service providers.

“With the DOT accreditation, tourists gain a much-needed peace of mind when they travel,” he said.

He underlined the President’s remark that tourism is a crucial economic driver that generates numerous opportunities on the ground, thereby highlighting the importance for LGUs to guarantee that PTEs comply with existing rules and regulations for the benefit of the people.

Abalos also urged the public to keep observing the minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) as well as get their vaccine and booster doses to enjoy safe and healthful travels in the country.

“We should all do our part in sustaining the gains we made in improving the country’s pandemic situation. Let us still follow the health and safety protocols from IATF, and get vaccinated and boosted. Let us unite as one so we can all experience a better normal,” he said.