KABATAAN party-list Representative Raoul Manuel is worried about the Department of Education’s new policy on the optional wearing of face masks inside schools during the implementation of face-to-face classes.

“100% face-to-face classes for all is long overdue. However, simply requiring such a policy while having no Covid19 testing, low vaccination rates among young students, and now optional masking can be a recipe for disaster,” Manuel said.

The lawmaker added that there have been reports of class suspensions and interruptions because of poor Covid19 response in schools.

“How much more when schools conduct full face-to-face classes?” he asked.

Manuel urged school officials to still encourage the wearing of well-fitting face masks, saying Covid19 is an airborne disease.

Manuel stressed that students must be safe and healthy for them to effectively learn.