DILG warns LGUs against exploiting quarantine for personal gain

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned local government unit (LGU) and barangay officials against exploiting the enhanced community quarantine for personal gain.

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya stated that such acts are illegal and stupid, especially during a health crisis.

Malaya emphasized that officials collecting fees for quarantine passes, food stubs, and community IDs, or blocking cargo deliveries, will face legal accountability.

He clarified that barangay officials have no authority to impose such fees or set up checkpoints without coordinating with their mayors.

Neither President Duterte nor the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has authorized barangays to issue their own quarantine passes.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año previously stated that officials proven to have engaged in illegal activities will face suspension or imprisonment.