Guevarra advises COVID-19 patients, PUIs not to escape hospitalization, quarantine
By Jeffrey Damicog
Patients infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and persons under investigation (PUIs) for having the virus won’t be spared from prosecution if they defy measures being implemented by the government.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday issued the warning amid reports that PUIs and patients infected with COVID-19 have tried to escape being hospitalized or quarantined.
“Being sick does not exempt one from criminal liability,” Guevarra warned.
He said these people could even face charges for “multiple violations, as facts may warrant.”
“These people may be charged for non-cooperation under the relevant provisions of the law on mandatory reporting of notifiable diseases and the quarantine law,” he said.
Guevarra added that they could also be charged with resistance and disobedience to a person in authority under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
“This offense is punishable by arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding P100,000,” he said.
“If committed with acts of violence, then the person may be liable for direct assault, and that is a much more serious offense which is punishable by prison correcional or a fine of not more than P200,000,” he added.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday issued the warning amid reports that PUIs and patients infected with COVID-19 have tried to escape being hospitalized or quarantined.
“Being sick does not exempt one from criminal liability,” Guevarra warned.
He said these people could even face charges for “multiple violations, as facts may warrant.”
“These people may be charged for non-cooperation under the relevant provisions of the law on mandatory reporting of notifiable diseases and the quarantine law,” he said.
Guevarra added that they could also be charged with resistance and disobedience to a person in authority under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
“This offense is punishable by arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding P100,000,” he said.
“If committed with acts of violence, then the person may be liable for direct assault, and that is a much more serious offense which is punishable by prison correcional or a fine of not more than P200,000,” he added.