Tolentino files bill to give DOH power to lock down infected areas

Senator Francis Tolentino has filed Senate Bill No. 1408, or the Health Emergency Lockdown Act, to give the Department of Health (DOH) power to lock down infected areas and suspend classes during public health emergencies.

The bill aims to strengthen the country's capacity to detect and contain infectious diseases in light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Under current law, only the Bureau of Quarantine has regulatory authority over vessels, aircrafts, cargoes, passengers, crews, and personal effects at ports of entry and exit.