By Ralph John Mijares
ROXAS CITY – The Capiz Provincial Government would follow the national government’s decision on allowing religious gatherings in places under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
This is Governor Esteban Evan Contreras’ response on whether or not the provincial government would stick with banning religious activities as stated on Executive Order No. 16, Series of 2020 relating to the implementation of GCQ.
Contreras said that at the national level, there are more experts in handling the COVID-19 situation so it would be best to follow suit.
Provincial Administrator Edwin Monares added in Filipino “that the policies are temporary since every day there are situations that the national government is responding to.”
Contreras said that if relgious activities would be allowed, what matters would be social distancing and wearing of masks would be observed.
“If a certain religious sector can guarantee to [local government units] LGUs that they can do social distancing, wearing of masks, siguro i-regulate sila sang local chief executive kon nano ka damo ang pwede dira. Ma-estimate na man nila,” Contreras said.
Contreras added that the provincial and other LGUs would adapt the policy from the national government. On April 30, Malacañang released a statement allowing religious activities in places under GCQ.
On the same day, the decision on religious gatherings was retracted and submitted to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases for deliberation.
