The Caloocan City Council passed an ordinance slapping a fine of P3,000 on anyone caught wandering its streets and not wearing a face mask in public places in the city.
In City Ordinance No. 0862 authored by Councilors Enteng Malapitan and Rose Mercado, paying up to P3,000 or a month in jail will be a punishment to anyone who violates the law.
According to Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, the law was intentionally created because of the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19, with most people leaving their houses without a face mask.
Areas covered by the ordinance include public offices, restaurants, malls, convenience stores, cafes, markets, parks, playgrounds, motels/hotels, condominiums and transport terminals.
Those who will not abide with the law face the fine or a month in jail. There will be no community service offered unlike in other cities, Mayor Malapitan said.
Meanwhile, in response to the National Government’s directive to lower the number of positive cases in COVID-19, Caloocan City instituted the “BIDA” program.
Mayor Malapitan says BIDA stands for “Bawal ang walang Mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, Dumistansiya ng isang metro, at Alamin ang Totoong Impormasyon.”
The mayor said BIDA is an effective strategy against COVID-19.