GMA News
LGUs unauthorized to cancel flights amid COVID-19 threat —DILG chief
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año stated that Local Government Units (LGUs) do not have the authority to suspend flights, whether domestic or international, even during health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Año clarified that LGUs can only recommend or coordinate with relevant government agencies if they deem a flight suspension necessary.
His remark came after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte suspended all air travel to and from Davao City through Executive Order No. 13.
This action by Mayor Duterte caused confusion and stranded passengers, contradicting the national government's stance.
LGUs are instructed to adhere to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and refrain from implementing their own policies.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya reported instances where local officials prohibited the entry of essential goods, which are considered unlawful.
Police deployed at checkpoints were reminded to enforce only the orders issued by the President.
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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has ordered the suspension of at least 21 domestic and four international flights originating from the city's airport.
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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has cancelled all domestic flights to and from Luzon effective March 17 until April 12, 2020, with flights resuming on April 13.
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President Duterte directed all local government units (LGUs) in Luzon to strictly adhere to the national government's guidelines for the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), warning that non-compliance could lead to administrative and criminal charges.
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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has suspended nationwide road clearing operations to allow local government units (LGUs) to focus on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
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All modes of public transportation in Luzon are suspended from March 17 to April 13 as part of the enhanced community quarantine to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
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