Lockdown violations: 3 governors, 2 mayors in hot water

ARRESTS CONTINUE While various groups are calling for the release of prisoners and detainees to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in overcrowded jails, the authorities continue to make arrests, like rounding up this group of 150 people in Tondo, Manila, for violating various lockdown measures, such as operating tricycles, riding tandem on motorbikes, leaving homes without a pass and not wearing masks. —LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday ordered three governors and two mayors to explain why they should not be prosecuted for violating lockdown measures.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año did not name the local officials but said they would be identified as soon as the DILG filed cases against them should their written response prove unsatisfactory.

Full cooperation, compliance

“The point of all of these national policies is to ensure unity, cohesion and order in the entire country during the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, which requires the local government[s’] full cooperation and compliance,” Año said in a statement, stressing that violation of lockdown measures “will not go unnoticed.”

The five local officials allegedly allowed mass gatherings; failed to strictly implement social distancing measures; prohibited the movement of cargo across their borders; refused entry into their localities of essential personnel as well as migrant workers already cleared and issued Department of Health certifications; and stopped the operation of industries vital to ensuring the country’s food security.

They were given 48 hours from receipt of the order to submit their written explanation as to why they should not be charged administratively for negligence, dereliction of duty and violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. If their response is unsatisfactory, administrative cases will be filed against them in the Office of the Ombudsman. Criminal complaints may also be filed against them in the Department of Justice.