LCEs not implementing "no mass gathering" guidelines to face administrative and criminal cases

Quezon City, Philippines - Local chief executives in the country may face charges if they fail to strictly impose the 'no mass gathering' guidelines directed by the Department of Interior Local Government as part of the country’s main approach in controlling virus transmission.

The directive is contained under Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2021-050, underscoring that irresponsible mayors shall be liable for dereliction of duty under Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code and administrative sanction under the Local Government Code.

“Maaaring administrative complaint or criminal case ang isampa laban sa pabayang LCEs," DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said in a press release.

Año added that the agency does not want to reach the point of filing charges against mayors so they are urging them to properly implement the policy, pointing out that “Local government units (LGUs) have a critical role in enforcing mass gathering regulations as they are nearer to their constituencies compared to the national government.”

Meantime, higher LGUs (Provincial LGUs) are reminded to exercise their supervision power to LGUs within their area of jurisdiction.

"The LGU through its Sanggunian, at the instance of a concerned LCE, may hear any complaint for violation, misconduct, and/or dereliction of duty of lower LGU officials and impose sanctions as may be allowed by existing laws against an erring official", the agency stated.

Additionally, the Philippine National Police are mandated to implement guidelines and policies of the IATF especially on the prohibition on mass gatherings.

“The PNP should assist LGUs in the enforcement of all policies, laws both national and local, relative to the curtailment of the spread of COVID-19,” the DILG Secretary stated.

DILG Spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya encouraged the public to file complaints against mayors who fail to undertake proper implementation of guidelines on mass gathering.

For complaints, the agency said the public may email or call the nearest DILG Regional Office or field office or the DILG Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at dilgeoc.complaint@gmail.com and telephone number (02) 8876-3454 local 881 to 884.

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