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DOJ chief supports local anti-discrimination measures
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra supports local government initiatives to combat discrimination against health workers and COVID-19 patients during the ongoing health emergency.
Guevarra stated that local ordinances or executive orders can serve as a deterrent against discriminatory acts within their jurisdictions.
He noted that it is more practical for Sanguniang Bayans to enact their own ordinances prohibiting specific discriminatory acts and imposing penalties, given that Congress is not in session and enacting national legislation takes significant time.
The Manila local government has already passed Ordinance 8624, the Anti-COVID-19 Discrimination Ordinance of 2020, which includes fines and jail penalties for those found guilty of causing stigma, disgrace, shame, humiliation, and harassment.
Similarly, Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivares issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination against COVID-19 patients and frontliners.
Guevarra also assured that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide legal assistance to victims of COVID-19 related discrimination.
Victims can seek help from the nearest offices of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Public Attorney's Office, prosecutor's office, DOJ action center, or the Office of the Secretary.
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The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging local government units (LGUs) to enact ordinances that penalize discrimination against COVID-19 frontliners.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros urged local government units (LGUs) to pass and implement measures to protect health workers and other frontliners from discrimination.
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Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed Executive Order No. 26, Series of 2020, penalizing discrimination against COVID-19 patients, suspected cases, their households, and frontliners.
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The Nueva Ecija provincial government has enacted an ordinance that penalizes discrimination against individuals affected by COVID-19, including patients, suspected cases, and frontline workers.
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The Philippine government will file cases against individuals who harass or discriminate against COVID-19 patients and healthcare workers.
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