Navotas face mask violators to be punished with swab test

BY JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

Instead of paying fines, Navotas City residents caught not wearing face masks properly will soon have to undergo RT-PCR (reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction) test for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as penalty.

Mayor Toby Tiangco said Friday he sought amendment to its existing ordinance, which imposes a fine ranging from P250 to P750 on those who will not wear face masks properly, as he said the local government “understands” that its constituents are already “struggling economically.”

“We value the lives of each of our constituents,” he said in a Viber message. “We will do whatever it takes to bring down the COVID-19 cases, no matter what it costs, as long as kaya namin.”

In a television interview Thursday night, the mayor said that amending its ordinance was also part of the local government’s contingency plans amid the rising COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.

“Kasi posibleng [sa] hindi mo pagsuot ng face mask, doon ka nahahawa,” he said over One News interview.

The amendment might take effect soon. Tiangco said, the city councilors already finished its first reading Thursday.

Tiangco said that an RT-PCR test will be imposed on violators but clarified that if it is their 2nd offense “within 14 days,” then they will have to pay fine.

The Navotas City council recently passed Ordinance No. 2020-21 which mandates “the wearing of face mask or other similar protective paraphernalia and equipment” within the city to contain the spread of COVID-19. (Joseph Pedrajas)