People behind illegal COVID-19 swabbing centers could face string of charges, Guevarra warns

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday warned those involved in illegal COVID-19 swabbing centers, as well as those issuing or using fake swab test results, that they could face a string of charges.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told GMA News that those involved in illegal swabbing centers may face at least three charges for violation of local ordinances on business establishments, the Consumer Act, as well as Republic Act 4688, which regulates the operation and maintenance of clinical laboratories in the country.

In Manila recently, local authorities ordered a swabbing center operating in a residential compound to be closed for not having a business permit, as well as for possible violation of sanitary and zoning regulations.

Guevarra also said those issuing or using fake COVID-19 swab test results may face charges for violation of the Medical Act, as well as Articles 174 and 175 of the Revised Penal Code for falsification and/or use of falsified medical certificates.

He also said another complaint for violation of Republic Act 11332, or the or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, may also be filed against the suspect. —KBK, GMA News