NUPL says Duterte order on unvaccinated lacks legal basis

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) stated that President Duterte's order restricting the movement of unvaccinated individuals lacks a legal basis and is susceptible to abuse.

President Duterte had ordered police and barangay officials to escort unvaccinated people back to their homes and prevent them from going out.

NUPL president Edre Olalia argued that there is no law or ordinance that penalizes unvaccinated individuals, making their restriction or detention illegal.

While restrictions for public health are acceptable, Olalia noted that they should not amount to an outright prohibition, especially if punishable, as this is open to legal challenges.

The NUPL cautioned that invoking the 'law of necessity' is perilous because it is vague and can lead to subjective and arbitrary actions, potentially enabling abuse and misuse of power.