LOOK: Legal issues, concerns on COVID-19 measures

MANILA, Philippines — As the government puts in place measures to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a lawyers’ group has laid out legal matters the public should know regarding the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine imposed by the government.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) on Friday answered some frequently asked questions on the legal matters of the government’s COVID-19 measures.

Among the most salient points of the bulletin is whether  or not a person can be arrested or face charges for resisting or disobeying enforcers of the quarantine.

“Only if you willfully disobeyed lawful orders of law enforcers,” NUPL said.

“This does not stop or prevent you from demanding explanation or clarification from, and arguing with the police or other law enforcers, and asserting your rights or validly acting in self-defense, defense of a relative, or defense of a stranger as recognized by our criminal laws,” the group explained.

NUPL added that resistance or disobedience is punishable by a fine not exceeding P100,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.

The group also clarified that the enhanced community quarantine measure in place is not a declaration of martial law.

“The Constitution allows a declaration of martial law only in cases of invasion or rebellion, and when public safety requires it. There is no such situation or necessity,” NUPL explained.

Here is a list of questions and answers by the NUPL on matters related to the government’s measures against COVID-19:

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