Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH)
The IRR is known as the "Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Quarantine Act of 2004."
They implement Republic Act No. 9271, the Quarantine Act of 2004, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The purpose is to protect and promote public health by ensuring maximum security against the introduction or spread of infectious diseases subject to the IHR, including emerging diseases and public health emergencies of international concern, while balancing minimal interference with trade and travel.
They apply to all vessels, aircraft, their crew, passengers, and cargo, whether government or private, entering or departing from any seaport or airport within the Philippines.
The Bureau of Quarantine of the Department of Health exercises the regulatory functions as the health authority.
Quarantine is the separation of people who have been exposed to an illness but are not yet ill or showing symptoms, restricting their movements during the incubation period of the disease to prevent spread.
The master must provide documents such as: Maritime Declaration of Health, Deratting/deratting exemption certificate, passenger and crew list, voyage memo/ports of call, clinical records of cases treated during the voyage, and any other documents required by the Quarantine Medical Officer.
Penalties range from warnings and public censure for initial offenses to fines from P100,000.00 up to P500,000.00 for repeated offenses, including possible withholding of vessel or aircraft operations.
Yes, an appeal may be filed within fifteen (15) days after receiving the decision to the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, which will review the case along with submitted documents.
It is a certificate issued after inspection and deratting procedures applied to a vessel, valid for six (6) months from the issuance date.
Only authorized quarantine personnel are allowed to board. Suspect cases are medically evaluated and transported to designated hospitals for isolation; disembarkation is restricted until quarantine clearance is granted.
Inspection is conducted from 0800 to 1200H and 1300 to 1700H, Mondays to Fridays. Inspections outside these hours or on weekends/holidays are subject to reasonable reimbursement by the concerned company as approved by the Director of Quarantine.
When the Director of Quarantine determines that the vessel or aircraft is infected with diseases subject to the regulations, emerging diseases, or public health emergencies of international concern.
Measures include adequate potable water storage, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food safety, handwashing and toilet facilities, approved sewage disposal, pest control, and maintenance of adequate accommodations.
Documents required include a death certificate with proper translation, certification from the foreign consul, health authority certification of no pestilence, embalming or cremation certificates specifying proper sealing and handling.