Tolentino bill grants DOH, BOQ lockdown powers

Senator Francis Tolentino has proposed a bill that would grant the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) the authority to declare community lockdowns and suspend classes during public health emergencies.

Senate Bill No. 1408 aims to amend the Quarantine Act of 2004 to strengthen the DOH and BOQ's powers in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Under the proposed Health Emergency Lockdown Act, the BOQ would be empowered to implement lockdowns in infected areas and suspend classes to contain diseases.

Tolentino believes this measure would allow for the containment of infectious diseases and better response to the needs of the sick.

However, Tolentino expressed reservations against a widespread lockdown of Metro Manila, citing potential negative economic impacts.

His bill suggests localized lockdowns in areas with evident community transmission.

The DOH and BOQ would collaborate with the Department of Interior and Local Government for the enforcement of lockdown rules and other disease prevention measures.

The DOH could also designate private hospitals as quarantine centers for persons under investigation during public health emergencies.

President Duterte had previously declared a State of Public Health Emergency due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.