The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified Tuesday that it will not impose fines or apprehend violators of its new policy that requires passengers inside private and public vehicles to wear face masks.
According to LTO chief Transportation Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 (IATF) and the Department of Health (DOH) are currently reviewing the policy since it does not clearly address passengers living on the same house.
“Anuman ang adjustment na gagawin tungkol sa kanilang issuance ay tutugon o tutupad ang LTO dito,” Galvante said.
“Pero pansamantala po kung kayo ay masisita hindi naman pagmumultahin agad o whatever. Ipaliliwanag lang ang kahalagahan ng pag-observe ng protocol,” he added.
In an interview with TeleRadyo, LTO-National Capital Region director Clarence Guinto said that the policy must be followed even if the passengers live in the same house.
Violators in private vehicles will be fined P2,000, while those on public transportation will have to pay P5,000.
LTO clarifies no fines, apprehension yet for violators of new face mask policy
“Kung galing kayo sa isang bahay, hindi rin ascribed sa regulation, dapat mag-face mask pa rin. It does not distinguish kung magkasama kayo sa bahay o hindi,” said Guinto.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), if you are alone in the vehicle, you are no longer obliged to wear a face mask.
“According to the LTO pronouncement, pag mag-isa lang po tayo sa ating pribaodng behikulo, of course, puwede na tayong hindi magsuot ng face mask. Pag may two or more passengers… dapat mag-mask,” said MMDA chief of staff Mike Salalima.
According to an infectious disease specialist, although it is good to practice wearing a face mask, it is possible to give consideration to relatives who are also together at home.
“I would recommend na mag-mask pa rin. But if you are kamag-anak, you’re living together, halimbawa 2 kapatid, ang mother, ang father, you’re in the same house and you’re going out in the same car I would not advise siguro na mag-mask,” said Dr. Rontgene Solante of San Lazaro Hospital.