Last Monday, September 12, President Marcos officially declared the voluntary wearing of face masks in public despite top experts opposing it because it might relay an impression to the public not to take COVID-19 seriously. According to Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, President Marcos Jr. already signed Executive Order (EO) No. 3, which states the approval of the mentioned concern. As per Angeles, the new policy is not applicable in indoor, private, or public establishments, public transportation by land, air, or sea, and outdoor settings where people cannot maintain physical distancing. 

Additionally, the secretary clarified that not fully vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are still highly encouraged to wear their masks and observe physical distancing at all times.

MMDA Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III also encourages traffic enforcers and street sweepers to continue wearing face masks, especially while working to protect them from pollution and acquiring illnesses. 

Maria Rosario Vergeire, Health officer-in-charge, stated that the Department of Health expressed its desire to keep the mask policy. However, due to the presented data on balancing public health and the economy, they opted to compromise in this situation, thus, lifting the mask protocols with low-risk individuals in low-risk settings.

Apart from government officials taking their position regarding this matter, Netizens also expressed their reactions online. Based on the comments from the official Facebook post of the President, some people celebrated this announcement and were even eager to use their favorite lipsticks. Meanwhile, some people would still prefer to wear their face masks in public to avoid the risks of getting the virus. 

As Filipinos strive to go back to their ‘normal’ lives amidst the pandemic, being cautious with a mask or no mask through day and night is still advised.