QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 151)
It cites Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution, which declares it a State policy to protect and promote the right to health of the people.
EO No. 151 relies on Section 6 of RA No. 11332, which authorizes the DOH and its local counterparts to enforce rapid containment, quarantine/isolation, disease prevention and control, and other response activities for public health events of concern.
Section 7 of RA No. 11332 authorizes the President to declare a State of Public Health Emergency in epidemics of national/international concern threatening national security, and to mobilize agencies for response.
EO No. 151 mentions Proclamation No. 922 (public health emergency due to COVID-19) and Proclamation No. 929 (placing the entire Philippines under a State of Calamity), with later extensions via Proclamation No. 1021 and Proclamation No. 1218.
Executive Order (EO) No. 112 (s. 2020) imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine and General Community Quarantine in certain areas and adopted the Omnibus Guidelines for community quarantine implementation.
EO No. 112 authorized the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to impose, lift, or extend community quarantine in provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities, and Independent Component Cities.
The Omnibus Guidelines, as amended by IATF, provided for Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), General Community Quarantine (GCQ), and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
IATF Resolution No. 136-A (s. 2021) approved the shift in policy for classifying areas for community quarantine purposes and adopted the Alert Level System for identified pilot areas, with NCR as the initial pilot.
It is to be undertaken in four phases. Existing pilot areas as of the effectivity date are deemed Phase 1, and other regions follow in Phases 2 to 4.
Phase 1: NCR, Region III, IV-A, VI, VII, X, and XI.
The shift to Phase 2 may begin at any time after effectivity as determined by the IATF, but not later than the end of November 2021.
The “Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response in Pilot Areas,” with IATF-approved amendments as of effectivity, are adopted as the guidelines to be implemented and enforced in all areas placed under ALS nationwide rollout; they shall be renamed accordingly.
No. The IATF is authorized to amend or modify the Guidelines as necessary to achieve ALS objectives without need of further approval of the President.
Pending full nationwide implementation, the Omnibus Guidelines for community quarantine under EO No. 112 remain in effect in all areas not yet under the ALS.
It directs all departments, agencies, state colleges/universities, GOCCs, government financial institutions, and LGUs to provide full assistance and cooperate with the IATF and mobilize necessary resources for ALS implementation.
It takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
EO No. 112 is deemed repealed once all areas of the country are placed under the ALS; other inconsistent issuances or parts are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
If any part is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected remain in full force and effect.