Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 201)
The Secretary of Health is designated as the Crisis Manager for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) contagion, responsible for containing, controlling, preventing, and restricting the spread of SARS in the Philippines.
The Secretary of Health is granted powers to prevent the entry of SARS cases, minimize local spread through various health measures, manage clinical treatment, educate the public on SARS, and mitigate non-health consequences such as impacts on tourism and labor.
The Secretary of Health may call upon agencies including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Education, Department of Labor and Employment, and others, as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, PNP, and Philippine Coast Guard.
An amount not exceeding One Billion Pesos is set aside from the funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to cover the financial requirements of the Executive Order.
SARS is classified as a quarantinable disease due to its highly contagious nature and the significant danger it poses to public health.
The Bureau is authorized to examine and surveil incoming and outgoing vessels and aircraft, enforce quarantine measures over passengers, crews, and cargo, and issue quarantine documents under the supervision of the Secretary of Health.
The Secretary of Education can order closure or suspension of classes in schools and institutions, including private ones, and utilize buildings for SARS containment, following advice from the Secretary of Health.
The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government may mobilize the PNP, supervise local governments in quarantine enforcement, maintain peace and order related to SARS management, and enforce movement controls with due regard to constitutional rights.
DOLE is responsible for informing departing Filipinos bound for SARS-affected countries, monitoring the entry of overseas Filipino workers who may pose a health threat, and preventing departures from affected areas when necessary.
Violations or infractions of lawful orders issued by designated authorities under the Executive Order shall be punished in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.