President Rodrigo Duterte warned local government units to keep coordinate with the national government in the implementation of guidelines for the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon that were set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
“Do note make this quarantine more difficult for the people than it already is,” Duterte said. “LGUs should take note of this.”
“If you go beyond the standards that we have set, you are abusing your authority.”
Duterte also directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice to monitor and study possible charges against LGUs that do not comply.
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He warned that appropriate charges, administrative and even criminal charges may be filed against “wayward officials.”
Duterte mentioned the what should be the unimpeded movement of cargo and goods.
“When the (IATF) says do not restrict the cargo of whatever type, then no LGU should say they only… allow food or essential goods to come in. You are already setting your standards and making this quarantine more difficult for all,” he said.
The Department of Trade and Industry earlier said transporting essential goods such as food, medicine, and medical equipment should not be blocked.
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“Let us work together to implement this quarantine,” Duterte said. “To do otherwise would sow confusion.”
“We move in one direction in one unison precisely to place the contagion in control for the better health of the Filipino people, for the country,” he said.
“Sundin na lang natin, para naman ito sa lahat,” Duterte added.
