BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance requiring the use of face shields in addition to face masks was passed on first reading by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session Wednesday.
The proposal, authored by Councilor Archie Baribar, is an amendment to the Ordinance No. 926, series of 2020 which required the mandatory use of face masks and observance of social distancing in all public places in Bacolod City during the emergency caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to mandatory face masks, face shields should be used while inside supermarkets, public markets, malls, venues for meetings, venues where private or government services are provided, all enclosed offices and establishments doing business, public transportation or public utility vehicles, and enclosed work places, the ordinance said.
Any person who fails to wear the required face mask and face shield or observe the mandatory social distancing will be penalized with a fine of P200 or eight hours community service, for every violation.
If he is not a resident of Bacolod City, he will be penalized with a fine of P300, it added.
The ordinance said a citation ticket will be issued to all who will not observe this ordinance, who will then be informed of their violation and its penalty.
A task force on face mask, face shield, and social distancing will be created to aid in the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the ordinance .
The ordinance said an initial appropriation of P200,000 will be provided for the purpose of printing the citation ticket and for other administrative expenses.*
