Motorists who are alone in their vehicles are not required to wear face masks when driving, an official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.
PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said policemen should use “common sense” in implementing laws, saying it is illogical to apprehend drivers who are not wearing face masks if they are the only ones in their four-wheeled vehicles.
“Kung ikaw po ay nag-iisa sa loob ng sasakyan mo tapos nakasarado pa siguro na ay hindi na dapat pa ‘yun,” he said in an interview over dzBB.
President Duterte has ordered the police to apprehend individuals who are not observing health and safety measures, such as wearing face masks, in public places to contain the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 outbreak.
Eleazar said it is impractical for drivers to wear face masks when they are confined to their vehicles.
“Parang sa bahay mo sa loob ng kuwarto natutulog ka nag-iisa ka. Ikaw ba naman may-face mask pa,” he said.
The situation is different when a driver has companions in their vehicles. – Manny Tupas