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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider DILG directs LGUs to sanction people discriminating against pandemic frontliners

DILG directs LGUs to sanction people discriminating against pandemic frontliners

Published Apr 9, 2020 12:00 am
By Chito Chavez The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged the local government units (LGUs) to pass measures that will penalize individuals and groups showing any acts of discrimination against novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) frontline workers. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN) DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN) DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año issued the call following reports of discrimination being committed against frontline workers. Año said it is inhuman, cruel, brutal and unfair for anyone to demean the frontliners who are considered as modern-day heroes as they risk their lives in caring for the COVID-19 patients. “We are alarmed by the reports that reach our office on the harassment and discrimination experienced by our frontline workers including health professionals, police, military, essential services personnel, and government and non-government social workers,’’ Año said. Año said the LGUs should act swiftly and enact or issue the necessary directives to safeguard those working in the frontline “who are laying their lives on the line for our general well-being. “Let us accord them the dignity and honor they deserve for their courage and service in the fight against the deadly COVID-19,” he added. The DILG secretary issued the directive as the government continues to receive reports on discrimination against health workers, uniformed personnel, and those working in essential services. “Reported incidents range from verbal discrimination to harmful situation like throwing of bleach and the shooting of an ambulance driver,’’ Año. He lauded some LGUs that have already passed an ordinance on anti-discrimination of frontline workers amid the enhanced community quarantine like Manila and Muntinlupa City and is urging other LGUs to do the same. Año said that local ordinances are more responsive and tailor-fit to the current situation in localities aside from the fact that the Congress is not in session and it would take a while before a national law could be passed on this matter. He emphasized the importance not only of the passage but also the proper enforcement of ordinance prohibiting specific acts of discrimination against frontline workers and imposing penalties for violations. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) said that acts of discrimination, such as, but not limited to, coercion, libel, slander, physical injuries, and the dishonor of contractual obligations such as contracts of lease or employment shall be dealt with criminally, civilly and/or administratively. Protect OFWs too DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya also prodded the LGUs to include in the coverage of the anti-discrimination ordinances the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have returned in their provinces amid the global pandemic. He said the anti-harassment and anti-discrimination ordinance should also cover COVID-19 victims as well as persons under monitoring (PUM) and persons under investigation (PUIs). “The law should protect them as well. They did not choose to be sick. They should also be afforded the State’s protection and care,” he said. Malaya also reiterated the pronouncement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that they will provide assistance to those who suffer discrimination due to the virus. The DOJ announced that their investigators, prosecutors, and legal officers have been directed to provide legal assistance to frontline workers by approaching the nearest office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Public Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor’s Office, DOJ action center, or directly to the Office of the Secretary. President Duterte also ordered the police and military to watch out for anyone who will harass health workers. According to the Department of Health, there are various reports regarding discrimination against frontliners who are being refused basic services like public transport, laundry service, refused entry to supermarket or grocery stores, or being evicted from their lodging or housing. (Chito Chavez)#
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