Makati City Council to pass anti-discrimination ordinance to protect health workers
By Jel Santos
To protect health workers fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Makati City from discrimination, the local government unit (LGU) said the Makati City Council will pass an anti-discrimination ordinance this week.
Authorities have been receiving reports of discrimination against health workers all over the country as they were believed by some to be carriers of the dreaded disease. Some even resort to violence.
President Duterte has earlier warned against harassment of and violence against health workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The anti-discrimination ordinance will be passed by the City Council during their next session on Wednesday ,” Makati City legal officer and spokesperson Atty. Michael “Don” Camiña said.
According to him, this was a request by Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay to the City Council.
“It is an urgent legislation requested by Mayor Abby to better protect our health workers and other frontline people,” Camiña said.
“The City of Makati, together with Makati residents, will continue doing its part to support the national government should the quarantine be extended,” he continued.
Earlier, the Department of Health has urged LGUs to pass ordinances to protect their health workers from discrimination during these challenging times.
Camiña, meanwhile, urged Makati residents to stay home, and practice social and physical distancing when outside for their essential trips.
“Makati City Government services continue to be delivered to the homes of Makati residents to help them stay at home also,” added Camiña.