MANILA, Philippines — The government will not hesitate to prosecute persons who violate health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Malacañang issued this statement amid reports that a Filipina who returned from the US skipped quarantine and went partying in Makati City. The Filipina tested positive for COVID-19.
Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the Philippine National Police, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Health, are now looking into the incident.
“We will not hesitate to prosecute those who are violating the law talagang po-prosecute namin ‘yan. Hindi natin tatantanan ‘yan. This is a public health emergency, we cannot just let this go,” he said in a Palace briefing.
(We will prosecute. We will not let go.)
“Let’s not think that we can get away with it, hindi talaga, hindi ‘yan mangyayari. Lahat ng dapat at kailangan sampahan, ay sasampahan ng kaso. We will execute the laws accordingly,” he added.
(All of those who are found to have violated the law should face charges.)
Nograles reminded the public as well as establishments to strictly follow health protocols or risk facing sanctions.
Malacañang is giving the Department of Justice the free hand to file charges if found necessary after all the investigations are finished.
“Anybody who violates the law will catch up to you so don’t try it. ‘Wag niyo subukan please,” Nograles said.
(Just don’t try it.)
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the COVID-19 positive Filipina ate at a restaurant called Mijo and then went to a bar named Kampai — both in Barangay Poblacion in Makati on Dec. 23.
Mijo and Kampai have already taken measures to disinfect their respective establishments and also had their staff members tested for the virus.
For its part, the Department of Tourism has ordered the quarantine hotel to explain why one of its guests was allowed to leave before completing the prescribed quarantine period.