Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — Charges await local chief executives who fail to enforce regulations on mass gatherings, the Interior Department reminded on Sunday.
In a statement, the agency said Secretary Eduardo Año has issued DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-050 which reminds all heads of local governments that they shall be sanctioned if found in violation of prohibitions under the IATF’s omnibus guidelines on community quarantine implementation, which covers public and mass gatherings.
“Maaaring administrative complaint or criminal case ang isampa laban sa pabayang LCEs. Hindi po gusto ng DILG na dumating sa puntong gawin ito kaya sana ipatupad nang maayos ng LGUs ang polisiya sa mass gatherings ayon sa quarantine classification sa kanilang lugar,” said the Cabinet official.
[Translation: An administrative complaint or criminal case may be filed against neglectful LCEs. The DILG doesn’t want things to reach this point so we hope LGUs will properly implement policies on mass gatherings in accordance with their localities’ respective quarantine classification.]
Under the omnibus guidelines as of April 15, gatherings both inside and outside of residences are prohibited under enhanced community quarantine, modified ECQ, and general community quarantine. These, however, are allowed up to 50% of venue capacity for modified GCQ areas.
Gatherings for the provision of state services and authorized humanitarian activities, meanwhile, are allowed under all community quarantine classifications.
Religious gatherings under ECQ are prohibited, with celebrations limited to online video recording and transmission. These may be held at limited capacities in MECQ, GCQ and MGCQ areas. Wakes, funerals and inurnments for those who died due to causes other than COVID-19, meanwhile, are limited to family members in both ECQ and MECQ areas and allowed up to 30% and 50% capacity at GCQ and MGCQ areas, respectively.
The department noted that such failure on local officials’ end may result in charges against them for dereliction of duty based on Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code. Administrative sanction may also be imposed on them under the Local Government Code, it added.
Interior Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya likewise enjoined citizens to file complaints with their respective DILG regional offices on failures of their local officials in implementing said regulations “so that appropriate actions may be taken upon verification.”
The PNP had been ordered as well to strictly enforce and provide local governments assistance in enforcing policies meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, particularly on public gatherings.
