Duterte warns courts against issuing quarantine-related injunctions

President Rodrigo Duterte warned that the national government will disregard court orders concerning quarantine protocols, asserting that the pandemic response is a matter of national interest.

Duterte's statement came after two lawyers from Cebu petitioned a regional trial court to declare national government protocols for incoming travelers as inapplicable in their province.

He emphasized that the pandemic is a national concern and cautioned courts against issuing injunctions that could lead to an impasse.

The President stated that while he prefers not to clash with the judiciary, there are times when he will not obey court decisions regarding pandemic management.

The national government protocols mandate a 10-day facility-based quarantine followed by four days of home quarantine, which the lawyers called 'nonsensical'.

Duterte also ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to decide on the issue concerning Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia's travel protocols in the province.

He stated that decisions are based on medical advice and that there are mechanics to compel obedience if necessary.