10 LGU execs told to explain violation of quarantine rules

MANILA, Philippines — Over 10 local officials have been issued show cause orders by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) over violations on the prohibition of mass gatherings and parties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said they have issued several show cause orders to officials of more than 10 local government units over alleged violations on quarantine protocols.

The latest chief executive to be issued the subpoena is Mayor Timoteo Villar of Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan who celebrated his birthday last week.

Photos of the festivities were posted on social media but were later deleted. 

Malaya said the incident has already reached the DILG and they are now issuing a show cause order against the mayor for “violating quarantine protocols issued by the inter-agency task force.”

The DILG official said that officials who violate lockdown rules could merit the filing of grave misconduct charges against them.

This could effectively lead to a suspension or dismissal from service, depending on the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Mass gatherings and parties are prohibited under the community quarantine guidelines in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.