By Jeffrey Damicog
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has assured that it will protect the rights of health workers and other frontliners amid reports of discrimination against them.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines logo (MANILA BULLETIN)
“Filipino lawyers continue to commend and support our healthcare professionals and all the public servants and private volunteers working relentlessly to contain the pandemic,” said IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa.
“We will uphold their rights and defend them against any inequity or prejudice,” he assured.
Cayosa made the statement after learning that front liners, as well as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, are facing discrimination, including denial of transportation, barred entry into boarding houses, and even rejection in being admitted into hospitals.
He asked the public not to discriminate against front liners and COVID-19 patients.
“We should not succumb to fear or panic that diminishes our humanity as well as our support and compassion for the victims and front liners in the health emergency,” he stated.
“Precautionary measures are understandable and desirable but they should remain reasonable and within the bounds of law,” he added.
The IBP official said the Magna Carta of Patients Rights and Obligations, Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, and other laws or regulations “remain effective and must temper and guide the actions and initiatives of everyone.”
Cayosa also advised the public to contribute to the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
“We urge our countrymen to fully cooperate, rather than discriminate, show benevolence, rather than bias, increase help, not hype,” he said.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines logo (MANILA BULLETIN)
“Filipino lawyers continue to commend and support our healthcare professionals and all the public servants and private volunteers working relentlessly to contain the pandemic,” said IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa.
“We will uphold their rights and defend them against any inequity or prejudice,” he assured.
Cayosa made the statement after learning that front liners, as well as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, are facing discrimination, including denial of transportation, barred entry into boarding houses, and even rejection in being admitted into hospitals.
He asked the public not to discriminate against front liners and COVID-19 patients.
“We should not succumb to fear or panic that diminishes our humanity as well as our support and compassion for the victims and front liners in the health emergency,” he stated.
“Precautionary measures are understandable and desirable but they should remain reasonable and within the bounds of law,” he added.
The IBP official said the Magna Carta of Patients Rights and Obligations, Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, and other laws or regulations “remain effective and must temper and guide the actions and initiatives of everyone.”
Cayosa also advised the public to contribute to the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
“We urge our countrymen to fully cooperate, rather than discriminate, show benevolence, rather than bias, increase help, not hype,” he said.