DOJ: PUV drivers defying quarantine may face charges

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is defending the Philippine National Police's (PNP) decision to arrest public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who continue to operate despite the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

DOJ Spokesperson and Undersecretary Markk Perete stated that the guidelines for the enhanced community quarantine temporarily suspended mass public transport operations to minimize mobility and prevent the transmission of the disease.

Perete warned that defying these measures could lead to charges of resistance and disobedience to a person in authority under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra urged the public to cooperate with the government's Luzon-wide quarantine, stressing that violators may face charges under the Quarantine Law of 2004 (RA 9271), the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act of 2018 (RA 11332), and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority under the Revised Penal Code.

Perete added that transport operators could face franchise revocations if they violate an LTFRB order, which could deter them from forcing drivers to continue plying their routes.