PB passes Anti-Discrimination Ordinance: Frontliners get protection

CEBU, Philippines — Penalties await residents in Cebu Province who discriminate workers fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the frontlines.

The Provincial Board passed on Monday the Frontliners Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Ordinance of the Province of Cebu.

The ordinance, authored by Board Member Kerrie Keanne Shimura of the Fourth District, was certified urgent by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Shimura is chairperson of the committee on public health and social services in the Provincial Board.

The ordinance prohibits the following acts of discrimination against frontline workers.

• Infliction of physical injury

• Refusal of boarding in any public utility vehicles or any form of public transportation

• Prevention of entry in their place of dwelling

• Verbal abuse

• Hurling of any liquid or objects towards them

• Denying access to food establishments

• Indifference of treatment when accessing any public programs and services

• Other inimical acts detrimental to the safety, health conditions and interests of any frontliner

Anyone caught violating the ordinance will be fined P5000 and can face a year in jail.

Local government officials, officers, and employees found discriminating frontline workers will also face administrative charges.

"The need for a definitive measure or legislation to protect the interests of our frontliners during any public health emergency is not just necessary but an indispensable duty of this Sangguniian to fully provide relevant measures to protect those frontliners or individuals who exercise and perform the primary duty in addressing any threat or emergency situations," reads the resolution that lobbied for the passage of the ordinance.

It was Board Member Celestino Martinez III who first brought to the provincial government’s attention the maltreatment of frontliners in the province. He reported earlier an incident in Bogo City where a group has petitioned to ban frontliners from entering a subdivision. 

Garcia, in one of her press conferences, warned the residents that the province will sue anyone who will harass or discriminate frontliners.

Aside from penalizing violators, the ordinance also aims to carry out the necessary assistance needed by health workers and emergency responders, and "develop awareness" on the significant roles played by frontline workers in the community.

It enjoins local chief executives to coordinate with barangay captains in providing transportation for frontliners during health emergencies, frequently update their community profiling data, provide trainings and workshops for emergency responders, and ensure frontliners are given easy access to establishments in their towns.

Section 5 of the ordinance also allows frontliners access to the Provincial Legal Office in filing any complaint on discriminatory acts made against them.  JMO (FREEMAN)