Officials told to follow own quarantine rules

Business groups on Sunday expressed extreme disappointment over reports of government officials "violating with impunity" rules meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus as millions of Filipinos have been out of work and have had their movements restricted by the same rules.

This comes just a day before Metro Manila is set to enter general community quarantine today, when thousands are expected to return to work after over two months of strict quarantine rules that included curfews and the shutdown of mass transportation.

The joint statement was signed by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, FINEX Philippines, the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Judicial Reform Initiative, the Management Association of the Philippines and Makati Business Club.

"The restrictions under the IATF guidelines have affected millions, in terms of livelihood and freedom of movement. The impact has been much greater on families living near or below the poverty line, despite government's extension of financial aid. Additionally, the seeming confusion and different interpretations of rules led to numerous quarantine violations," the groups said.

"We are therefore greatly disappointed—even appalled and dismayed—about news reports of public officials violating with impunity the IATF and DOH protocols intended to protect public health."

No officials were named in the statement although violations by public officials have been well documented and officially played down.

Sen. Koko Pimentel and Police Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, for instance, both breached quarantine protocols in the past two months.

Pimentel visited public areas, including a hospital, while he was waiting for results of a COVID-19 test even though people who may have the disease are supposed to be in isolation. The senator is facing a complaint, filed by a private lawyer, for breaking quarantine, but has otherwise not been sanctioned for what he did.

Sinas, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, was criticized for holding a birthday gathering in the middle of the quarantine, when mass gatherings are prohibited.

He faces criminal and administrative raps that will likely be dismissed after President Rodrigo Duterte has virtually cleared him, saying Metro Manila's top cop should not be blamed that a gathering was held for his birthday.

He said Sinas' guests at the gathering could not be expected to wear face masks because food was served there.

In his last statement on the incident, Sinas asked the public to "move on" from the issue as he himself had already moved on.