Zubiri files bill seeking higher penalties for quarantine violations

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed Senate Bill 2470, seeking to impose higher penalties on quarantine violations by amending Republic Act 11332, the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases.

This legislative action follows reports of a quarantine breach involving a returning traveler, dubbed "Poblacion Girl," who allegedly violated quarantine protocols after testing positive for COVID-19.

The "Poblacion Girl" incident reportedly led to at least fifteen individuals contracting the virus from gatherings she attended.

Zubiri expressed concern that similar breaches by other individuals and quarantine facilities could be contributing to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Under the proposed bill, violators and their accomplices could face fines ranging from P500,000 to P1 million and/or imprisonment from one to six years.

If a quarantine breach results in permanent incapacity or death due to the disease, penalties increase to a P1 million fine and civil damages, or six to 12 years imprisonment, or both.