Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday ordered an investigation of Barangay Old Balara’s chair and its homeowners’ association president for failing to stop a public gathering and drinking session that led to the infection of 72 residents with COVID-19. Belmonte directed the city’s legal department to investigate Barangay Old Balara chair Allan Franza, and its association president, Don Brabante, and all those involved in the superspreader event. At least 255 residents of Area 7, Matandang Balara have already been swabbed. Paolo Casimiro, the city’s legal officer, said he had already ordered Franza to explain why he should not be held liable for the event. The city also filed a complaint against Brabante for violation of health protocols and permitting a social gathering beyond what is allowable. If Brabante and Franza are proven culpable, both may be held criminally liable under the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
—Krixia Subingsubing
