Año orders LGUs, PNP to close non-essential business establishments

April 15, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday ordered local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enforce closure non-essential business establishments while the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is still being implemented until April 30 in Luzon amid  the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Make sure that business establishments that are not allowed to operate under IATF guidelines remain closed. The ECQ is still in full force and effect. There is no partial lifting whatsoever. Our country will heal as one if and only if the government, the private sector, and the people stick to the strict enforcement of ECQ,” Año said.

Several reports, he said, have reached the DILG regarding the opening of some non-essential commercial establishments in some localities.

He said non-essential businesses opening their stores would jeopardize  efforts of the government and will waste all the gains  achieved.

Based on DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-062, LGUs are enjoined to ensure the closure of business establishments, except those providing or manufacturing basic necessities such as food, medicine, water, banking and remittance centers, power, energy and telecommunication.

In all such establishments allowed to operate, the LGUs must monitor to ensure operation of a skeletal workforce, as well as strict social distancing measures.

“If there is resistance or disobedience to authorities, the PNP has the authority to make arrests. We are in the middle of a state of public health emergency and calamity. Those who will violate may face arrest for Article 151 ng Revised Penal Code (RPC). The law punishes resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person,” the secretary said.

Año said the penalty for violating Article 151 of the RPC is arresto mayor, or imprisonment of one month and one day to six months, and a fine not exceeding P100,000.

The Department of Justice had announced that any violation during the ECQ may also be punished under Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Among the prohibited acts under RA 11332 are non-cooperation of persons and entities that should report or respond to notifiable diseases or health events of public concern.

If found guilty, there will be a penalty of not more than six months imprisonment or a fine of not more than P50,000.

Año said police officers and the armed forces are protectors of public safety as well as public health.

“They are with us in protecting everyone and making sure that the law is being implemented. Our enemy is the COVID-19 and not the police, military and the government,” he said. Ella Dionsio/DMS