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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Laoag City mayor told to explain quarantine violation

Laoag City mayor told to explain quarantine violation

Published Dec 31, 2020 02:49 pm

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed Thursday that it has issued a show cause order against Laoag City Mayor Michael M. Keon for alleged violation of quarantine protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

A number of photos circulated on social media showing that a Christmas gathering was held in Laoag which was allegedly organized by Keon.

DILG Undersecretary and Jonathan Malaya noted that Secretary Eduardo M. Año has directed the issuance of a SCO against Keon for the alleged violation of the prohibition against mass gathering and for violation of minimum health standards during a pandemic.

“We received reports that a Christmas party was organized by the mayor together with other government and barangay officials. Acting on these reports, the Secretary has directed the issuance of the SCO for the mayor to explain if he should be administratively liable for violating health protocols,” Malaya said.

While the conduct of protocols is admittedly difficult, Malaya said that government officials must lead by example and therefore should be circumspect about calling for gatherings at this time.

“If the public sees that our government officials themselves are not following the protocols, our campaign loses credibility,” he added.

He stressed that all Christmas parties in any government office, national or local, are prohibited and that the DILG is glad that 99 percent of all LGUs have followed the directives of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

The DILG emphasized that Christmas parties are considered non-essential activities under IATF regulations,

“We thank all LGUs that have cancelled their annual Christmas parties because gatherings are sure ways of transmitting COVID. The threat of a second surge is there so we should not let our guard down,” Malaya said.

Malaya assured that the DILG will accord Keon due process and will act based on the answer of the mayor on the SCO issued against him.

“If we want to show our appreciation to people for a job well done, we can just send them gifts. No need to call for a mass gathering.”

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