Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25) — The Philippine National Police has set the record straight on whether drivers should wear face masks when they’re alone in a vehicle.
PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac clarified in an online media briefing that a solo driver is still required to wear a mask inside open vehicles such as jeepneys and trucks with windows rolled down.
“Kapag nagmamaneho na single at bukas ‘yung kanyang cabin, bukas ‘yung bintana, free air or open air at walang gamit po na face mask, ay kabilang po ‘yan sa masisita at maaaresto,” Banac said.
[Translation: When a person is driving alone and the cabin and windows are open, free air or open air, and he’s not wearing a face mask, he’s among those who can be apprehended and arrested.]
Banac told CNN Philippines in a text message that the violator will be arrested and penalized based on the ordinance approved by the local government unit where the arrest took place.
The Department of Interior and Local Government is proposing uniform rules nationwide, which include imprisonment of up to 30 days and fine of up to ₱5,000 for those caught not wearing a face mask or disregarding social distancing.
Meanwhile, motorists driving their closed cars may not wear face masks, but only if there’s no other passenger.
“’Pag may kasama na po sa loob, meron siyang passenger, mandatory po na kailangan talaga may gamit na face mask,” Banac said.
[Translation: When there’s someone else inside, when there’s a passenger, the use of face mask becomes mandatory.]
The government is requiring everyone to wear face masks when leaving their homes to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease. The viral illness has infected more than 76,000 people across the country.
