Palace urges LGUs to follow face shield policy pending IATF decision

Malacañang urged local government units (LGUs) to uphold President Rodrigo Duterte's existing policy on face shields, awaiting a final decision from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

This call comes after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso issued an executive order limiting mandatory face shield use to hospital and medical settings.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque cautioned that LGU-issued policies might lead the public to disregard the national directive.

He stressed the importance of unity during the pandemic and respecting the President's decisions, as IATF resolutions are his directives.

Despite Malacañang's stance, Mayor Domagoso stated he has no plans to lift his order, citing the Local Government Code's provisions for LGUs to promote general welfare.

Roque emphasized the need for LGUs to follow the proper process and wait for the IATF's decision, warning that non-compliance by leaders could lead the public to ignore IATF policies.

The IATF is scheduled to discuss on Thursday the plan to potentially withdraw the requirement for face masks in public places and will consider input from stakeholders, including local executives.

The face shield policy has evolved, with a previous order in June requiring their use in hospitals due to the Delta variant, and a later announcement in September limiting use to "3Cs": closed and crowded spaces, and close contact.