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Gov't warns local execs vs. abusing authority amid COVID-19 crisis


A Malacañang official on Monday warned local officials against abusing their authority following reports that some barangay officials are issuing quarantine passes and selling them to their constituents.

In a televised briefing, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the quarantine passes should be distributed for free as he assured the public that those engaged in unscrupulous activities will be punished.

“Huwag  po nating abusuhin yan at huwag po tayong mag-take advantage sa calamity na ‘to dahil po maaari ‘yung maximum penalty pa po ang maaaring isampa po [laban] sa inyo,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has set up hotlines that people can call if they wish to complain about local officials who are taking advantage of the Luzon-wide quarantine due to the COVID-19 threat.

Two punong barangays were recently reprimanded in Taguig City following complaints from residents that they were charging P50 to allow people to leave their barangays, according to the DILG last Saturday.

The DILG said that if the barangay needs fund to address the COVID crisis, they should seek the help of their mayor or governor and not charge their constituents. --KBK, GMA News

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