For Quarantine violators in Cebu City: Stiffer penalties

CEBU, Philippines —  The ordinance that imposes stiffer penalties for Cebu City residents who violate quarantine restrictions will take effect on August 16, 2020, Councilor David Tumulak said on Saturday.

Tumulak and Councilors Raymond Alvin Garcia and Phillip Zafra authored the ordinance, which the City Council approved on June 26.

Under the ordinance, violators of rules during a public health crisis may be fined and imprisoned.

First time offenders may be fined P1,500 and imprisoned for less than 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court. Second time offenders will be fined P3,000 and imprisoned for 30 days while third time offenders may be fined P5,000 and jailed for 30 days.

The violator will also be disqualified from receiving the cash incentive from the city, financial assistance, grant, tax amnesty, or other monetary and financial benefits, if any, for two years since the penalties were imposed.

Meanwhile, businesses who violate rules may find their licenses revoked or their establishments closed down.

Among the prohibited activities are loitering in the streets and other public areas, going out of the residence without the required G/ECQ passes, or without wearing any facemasks or other forms of protective equipment, or any form of mass gathering such as movie screenings, sporting events, entertainment activities, and other non-essential assemblies or meetings.

“There is an imperative need to exact stern compliance for the public during a time of epidemic, pandemic and other health event of public concern with a penalty of imprisonment and/or other penalties in order to instill in the minds of the residents the gravity of the situation; to deter any more violations which put at risk the health of the community and to amplify the seriousness and imminent threats during this grave health crisis,” the ordinance reads.

Section 6 states that the G/ECQ pass shall be used only for the following exclusive purposes: availing or purchase of essential goods, medicines, and medical supplies and other basic commodities; exercise of profession or occupation for workers in exempted establishments; for any other essential purposes as defined.

Section 7 states that the mandatory stay at home order will not apply to medical practitioners, officers, hospital staff, nurses, and health volunteers; emergency personnel; all authorized national and local government officials and employees; drivers and personnel of delivery vehicles of all types of cargoes; accredited media personnel; farmers, fishermen, and agri-business personnel; and persons who seek medical attention or who are already admitted in any medical facility, provided that only a maximum of two companions shall be allowed, among others.

Section 8 provides that during the period of G/ECQ, all public and commercial/business must be closed, except all government offices providing basic services; hospitals, medical clinics, and laboratories; pharmacies, medical supplies and drug stores; gasoline stations; funeral parlors; food manufacturers and suppliers; public markets, supermarkets, groceries, bakeshops, and convenience stores; laundry shops; banks and money transfers; delivery services; such other establishments considered as exempted under the executive order issued for the purpose of declaring a state of G/ECQ; among others.

Section 9 states that social distancing of at least one-and-a half meter distance (1.5 meters) shall be observed at all times in public places, commercial/business establishments, and in public/private vehicles.

Under Section 11, any offender who exhibits or develops symptoms of illness or disease during the period of his temporary detention shall be reported immediately to the mayor or authorized health authorities for treatment and further management to the hospital, medical, or quarantine facility.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), Prevention Rehabilitation Organized Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) Team of the city, and barangay officials, and tanods are mandated to enforce the ordinance strictly. — JMO (FREEMAN)