The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) on Tuesday said it would seek exceptions to the masking rule for far-flung areas with small populations.
In a “Laging Handa” briefing, LPP chairman Dakila Cua said the league hoped to come up with proposals in its term-ender meeting.
“Mayroon kaming gaganapin na term-ender meeting at sana doon, plano ko rin pong makipagkwentuhan at makipagtulungan sa aming kasamahan kung ano ang kanilang pananaw dito sa [mandatory face mask rule],” Cua, who is also Quirino governor, said.
“If there are areas na puwede na nating luwagan, halimbawa doon sa mga lugar na talagang kagubatan naman iyong kanilang mga barangay at hindi naman talaga nagkukumpul-kumpol ang tao doon and yet we will require them to wear face mask every time they are outdoor, baka naman, there should be more depth to our policy,” he added.
Cua said the LPP would make a recommendation that was backed by science.
“Nakikita po natin na may mga LGUs na nagsasabing pag-aralan man lang, pagusapan, tingnan iyong datos, we asked our IATF to share the data,” he said.
Face masks are required to be worn at all times except in select situations even under the most lenient Alert Level 1, according to guidelines of the country’s pandemic task force.
“Well-fitted face masks shall be worn properly at all times, whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air or sea, except when eating and drinking, participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained, and practicing outdoor sports/exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained,” the guidelines read. John Ezekiel J. Hirro