Observe protocols or face closure, business establishments warned

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has warned all business establishments of the consequences they have to face if they fail to strictly enforce the health protocols and the vaccination requirement for customers.

“Be warned. Be serious in following our directive or face closure. We will not take this lightly,” said Rama in a statement.

The mayor said he received reports that malls and other establishments are not seriously checking the vaccination card of their customers. Minimum health protocols were also observed to have been ignored in some establishments.

“No letup…Always keep in mind the established protocol like the wearing of face masks, hand washing, social distancing…Never lower your guards, “ Rama reminded the business operators in the city.

 Although no penalties will be imposed yet until he shall have met the officers of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu (HRRAC), Rama said he wants all business establishments to be warned.

“We don’t talk of penalties yet…One word is enough for a wise guy.

Remind them lang sa nga ilang seryosohon ni,” said Rama.

He also acknowledged that some establishments are yet to read his directive prompting him to task the Public Information Office (PIO) to amplify the information dissemination.

New PIO chief Cerwin Eviota has tapped the various media institutions and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) to help in the information drive.

Rama issued a directive on Wednesday requiring vaccination in specific venues within the city starting January 1, 2022.

According to Directive No. 11-20-2021-01, vaccination shall be required in following venues in Cebu City: Amusement parks or theme parks; cinemas and movie houses; limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education subject to prior approval of the Office of the President; and limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training; funfairs/peryas or kid amusement industries; venues with live voice and wind-instrument performers and audiences such as karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters. — FPL (FREEMAN)