QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 123)
Its name is changed to the Bureau of Quarantine and it is given the category of a first-class bureau.
It functions under the Department of Health and Public Welfare and is administered by the Director of Quarantine.
The Director of Quarantine is appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
It examines incoming and outgoing vessels and aircraft; surveils their sanitary conditions and those of cargoes, passengers, crew, and personal effects; and issues quarantine certificates, bills of health, or equivalent documents.
Yes. It has authority over incoming vessels (including army and navy, domestic and foreign) and over aircraft and airports insofar as necessary for proper enforcement of the Act.
Upon recommendation of the Director of Quarantine, the Secretary is authorized to reorganize the Bureau of Quarantine and promulgate rules and regulations for its operation.
Notwithstanding civil service eligibility, they are automatically transferred since July 4, 1946, and appointed to positions authorized for them in the Bureau’s budget; their service with the U.S. Public Health Service is treated as a continuation of service for purposes of privileges/benefits and for determining benefits where length of service is a factor.
They are given the same rights and privileges allowed (or may hereafter be allowed) to Civil Service employees, such as government insurance, pension, retirement, gratuity, bonus, allowances, etc., in the capacity of classified Civil Service officers and employees.
The Director of Quarantine has the rank of a colonel or higher; quarantine officers have ranks of lieutenant colonels, majors, captains, and lieutenants.
Quarantine officers are commissioned by the President upon recommendation of the Director of Quarantine with the approval of the Secretary of Health and Public Welfare.
With the approval of the Secretary, the Director may promulgate and enforce necessary rules and regulations, including inspections, fumigation, disinfection, sanitation, pest extermination, destruction of infected/contaminated animals or articles, and other necessary measures.
Generally, no—regulations shall not provide for apprehension/detention/conditional release except for preventing the introduction, transmission, or spread of specified quarantinable diseases as may be designated in executive orders of the President upon the Secretary’s recommendation.
When the Director of Quarantine deems it necessary for the protection of public health of the nation from quarantinable diseases; it then becomes mandatory on all persons arriving at any port of entry.
If examination shows the person is infected or exposed and considered a dangerous contact, he may be detained aboard the vessel, in a hospital, at a quarantine detention station, or at any place of isolation, as prescribed by the regulations.
When the Director determines imminent danger of introduction exists from a foreign country, and that suspension of introduction of persons/property is required for public health, the Director recommends to the President (through the Secretary) issuance of an executive order prohibiting in whole or in part the introduction of persons and properties from such country.
They must obtain quarantine certificates from officers designated by the Director at the foreign port or place clearing/departing; the certificates must be delivered to the quarantine boarding officer at ports of entry.
It is unlawful to discharge cargo or land passengers unless certified by the quarantine officer that quarantine regulations have been complied with; the certificate of quarantine discharge is a prerequisite to Customs clearance.
They must obtain a sanitary port statement certifying compliance with quarantine laws and regulations; this is a prerequisite to Customs clearance.
Individuals violating regulations or entering/departing quarantine detention areas without permission may be fined up to PHP 2,000 and/or imprisoned up to one year. Any vessel or aircraft violating provisions of the Act may forfeit to the Government up to PHP 10,000, the amount determined by the Collector of Customs (as a lien on the vessel).