Answer:
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is directing local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strictly enforce the closure of non-essential business establishments while the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is still being implemented until April 30 in Luzon amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Several reports, he said, have reached the DILG regarding the opening of some non-essential commercial establishments in some localities.
In 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, telecommunication, and the like. In all such establishments allowed to operate, the LGUs must monitor to ensure the operation of a skeletal workforce only, as well as strict social distancing measures.
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 has also earlier announced that any violation during the ECQ may also be punishable 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 is non-cooperation of persons and entities that should report and/or respond to notifiable diseases or health events of public concern. If found guilty, there will be a penalty of not more than six (6) months imprisonment or a fine of not more than P50,000.
