The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it will not yet impose fines on those who are not wearing face masks inside private vehicles, as it awaits the final decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, February 2, LTO chief Edgar Galvante said motorists will only be reprimanded.

“Kung kayo ay masisita, hindi naman kayo pagmumultahin. Ipapaliwanag lang sa inyo ‘yung kahalagahan ng pag-uutos na kailangan nakasuot ang face mask,” said Galvante.

(If you’ll be apprehended, you wouldn’t be asked to pay a fine. Enforcers will only explain the importance of the order requiring face masks.)

In May 2020, the LTO issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2185, which states that not wearing face masks is equivalent to reckless driving for both public and private vehicles. Fines range from P2,000 to P10,000 depending on the frequency of the offense.

On Monday, February 1, LTO Metro Manila Director Clarence Guinto reiterated this rule in a radio interview.

Some have questioned the need for face coverings, especially for families traveling inside the same vehicle.

But Galvante on Tuesday said it could be hard to identify whether passengers really are from the same household.

“Para mawala ang pangamba, ang gusto lang natin dito ay ma-check natin ang maaring pag-spread ng virus. But I understand na ito ay nire-review or re-review-hin ng IATF o DOH (Department of Health),” said Galvante.

(To allay fears, we only want to prevent the spread of the virus. But I understand this is currently under review of the IATF or the DOH.)

The LTO chief said they will comply with the recommendation of the IATF. – Rappler.com