Iloilo City Seeks Local Control Over Face Mask Enforcement in Public Transport
Sponsored by Atty. Romel Duron
Iloilo City has passed Resolution No. 2020-577, sponsored by Atty. Romel Duron, urging national agencies like the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow local authorities to enforce face mask and face shield regulations in public transportation. The resolution argues that health protocol violations—such as non-compliance with mask mandates—should fall under the jurisdiction of the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) and barangay officials, rather than being treated as traffic violations. This move aims to streamline enforcement while respecting the city’s existing ordinances on COVID-19 safety measures.
Atty. Duron emphasized that local governments are better positioned to implement health protocols, given their direct engagement with communities. The resolution aligns with national health emergency declarations but seeks to empower Iloilo City to manage compliance more effectively. By shifting enforcement to PSTMO and barangay officials, the city hopes to reduce confusion and ensure consistent adherence to safety measures without overlapping with traffic regulations.
