INSTEAD of implementing the mandatory use of face shields in public areas, presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on Tuesday urged the government to prioritize the vaccination of Filipinos against Covid19.

“We’ve been campaigning that vaccination is the solution. More than face shield, it’s the vaccine. Sabi ko nga, bumili kayo ng Tocilizumab, hindi kasi face shield ‘yung Tocilizumab, Remdesivir,” Domagoso said.

“Ngayon, may binili pa kaming bago – Molnupiravir, na nakatutulong ma-survive ang Covid patient under severe and critical conditions,” he added.

On Monday, Domagoso lifted the mandatory face shield policy in Manila except in hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities.

However, Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said Domagoso’s executive order had no effect because it violates an existing Inter-Agency Task Force order that required the use of face shields.

Citing studies and practices from the United States and other countries, the mayor noted that the government must study the effects of face shields in terms of protecting the people against the virus.

“A few months ago, I have been telling them to please study the effects of face shields because the United States of America and all other countries have already shown studies na walang epekto ang face shield in terms of protection for the general population,” Domagoso pointed out.

“Pangalawa, lalo lang na-a-agitate ‘yung mga may hika. ‘Yung mga matatanda, nadadapa. ‘Yung mga naglalakad, nadadapa. Wala namang epekto, bakit natin ipinagpapatuloy na pahirapan ang tao?” he said.

The mayor stressed that his recent order on the repeal of face shield rules in the city “is valid until declared otherwise by a court.”

“Basta sa akin, dito sa Maynila, ang kapakanan ng tao muna ang mauna. If there will be a study that will show (the viability of face shields) and science will agree that it will protect people, then so be it,” Domagoso said.