Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 7) — Metro Manila mayors are urging local government units in the region to pass ordinances punishing the discrimination of health workers and COVID-19 patients.
The Metro Manila Council, composed of chief executives of the region, passed Monday a resolution recommending the passage of local ordinances prohibiting and penalizing acts of discrimination and violence, including libel, slander, physical injuries, and violation of lease agreements and employment contracts.
“It has been observed that there is [a] rise in cases of discrimination and physical violence against health workers, frontline workers, OFWs, confirmed patients, PUI (persons under investigation) and PUM (persons under monitoring) in [Metro Manila],” the council said.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases had previously urged all local government units to prohibit these discriminatory acts.
President Rodrigo Duterte had also ordered police and the military to patrol and look out for anyone who may assault health workers, after a health worker in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat was allegedly attacked by strangers by throwing bleach at his face.
