All Metro Manila LGUs pass anti-discrimination ordinances

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases lauded all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila for enacting anti-discrimination ordinances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles reported that all LGUs in Metro Manila now have these ordinances in place, as confirmed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued a warning that any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse against frontliners will face consequences.

Victims or witnesses of discriminatory acts are encouraged to report them to the NBI via provided Globe, Smart, or landline numbers.

Previously, President Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest individuals committing discriminatory acts against medical frontliners.

The President emphasized that health workers are risking their lives to care for COVID-19 patients and should not be discriminated against.

The IATF defined discriminatory acts to include coercion, libel, slander, physical injuries, and the violation of contractual obligations like lease or employment contracts.