Muntinlupa to enforce stricter face mask ordinance 

The local government of Muntinlupa is set to impose stricter implementation of its local ordinance on the mandatory wearing of face masks following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to arrest people who will be caught not wearing a face mask properly in public spaces.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has ordered members of Muntinlupa City Police Station, Barangays, and Public Order and Security Office to reinforce City Ordinance No. 2020-109 or known as the Ordinance on the Mandatory Use of Face Masks in Muntinlupa City requiring residents and persons in the city to use face coverings or protective clothing to cover the nose, mouth, and chin.

Fresnedi warned the public to wear face mask or face fines.

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Under the local ordinance, every person in Muntinlupa is required to wear face masks at all times whenever outside of their residence, at the workplace, when entering government buildings and offices, and while in public places.

Penalties for offenders include P300 for first offense, P500 for second offense, and P1,000 for third and subsequent offenses. 

For violators who are minors, a stern warning will be given for the first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grant from the local government or P300 for non-grantee for second offense, and P500 for third and subsequent offenses. The penalty fee for minors will be charged against their parents or guardians.

Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said while the local government awaits guidelines from the national government with regard to the pronouncement of President Duterte, local security forces will use the existing provisions of the local ordinance to apprehend violators.

In his public address last May 5, President Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police anew to detain Filipinos who are improperly using face mask in a bid to protect the public against COVID-19. Duterte noted that some Filipinos are merely wearing a face mask just for compliance.

Recently, the local government lifted liquor ban but with restrictions for the duration of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and other less stringent community quarantines as may be declared by the national government.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi reminds city residents that the lifting of liquor ban is for economic reasons and that the health and safety of the public should not be compromised.

“COVID-19 is still an imminent threat so I urge everyone to be responsible and to continue observing health protocols even as quarantine measures and the liquor ban are relaxed in the implementation of MECQ,” Fresnedi said. 

As of May 6, Muntinlupa City has 11,671 confirmed cases with 10,218 recoveries, 1,147 active cases, 306 reported deaths, 166 suspect cases, and 939 probable cases.