Policy purpose: preparedness and response
- The order aims to ensure preparedness and an efficient government response for emerging infectious diseases that may lead to epidemics or even a worldwide pandemic under the “NOW, THEREFORE” clause.
- The order addresses recurring threats from infectious diseases such as Meningococcemia, Leptospirosis, Antimicrobial Resistance of Tuberculosis, and other bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases under the recitals.
- The order responds to global health risks involving diseases such as SARS, Avian Influenza, Ebola, and MERS-CoV as potential public health emergencies of international concern under the recitals.
- The order recognizes increased international spread risks due to globalization and mobility of travelers and products that threaten lives, safety, and the Philippine economy under the recitals.
Task Force: creation and composition
- Section 1 creates the Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID), referred to as the Task Force.
- The Task Force is composed of representatives from the following agencies:
- Chairperson: Department of Health (DOH).
- Members: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
- The Task Force may call upon any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the government, including GOCCs, GFIs, LGUs, NGOs, and the private sector for assistance based on circumstances and exigencies under Section 1.
- The DOH Secretary may recommend to the President the enlistment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to supplement the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies for enforcing quarantine of specific areas, facilitating transport of EID patients, and for other purposes necessary for effective implementation under Section 1.
- The duly authorized representatives of member-agencies must have a rank not lower than Assistant Secretary under Section 1.
Core functions: WHO notification and containment systems
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must establish a system to identify, screen, and assist Filipinos suspected or confirmed to be infected with EID.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must prevent and/or minimize the entry of suspected or confirmed EID patients into the country by instituting rigid screening and identification of EID suspects and establishing an institutionalized surveillance, alert, and quarantine system in all ports of entry.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must prevent and/or minimize local spread through screening possible infected patients, contact tracing, identification of mode of exposure, and implementation of effective quarantine and proper isolation procedures.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must minimize mortality by ensuring effective clinical management through capacitating healthcare facilities, government and private medical practitioners, healthcare workers, and public safety enforcers.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must educate the public on EID and its prevention, control, and management through a nationwide EID awareness campaign to promote positive health behaviors and address fear and anxiety.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must strengthen the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases Program of the DOH or its equivalent in other local health units.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must notify the WHO of EID cases in the country and its assessment of the EID situation.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must submit to the Office of the President regular status reports on monitoring of EID.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must formulate, develop, implement, and oversee the EID Preparedness Manual for prevention and control of EID.
- Under Section 2, the Task Force must perform other functions and activities necessary to carry out the order or as the President directs.
EID Preparedness Manual: required content
- Under Section 3, a comprehensive and sustainable EID Preparedness Manual must be formulated and developed to address government response and protocol in managing EID cases.
- Under Section 3, the manual must include, among other elements:
- Quarantine and immediate containment of EID within ports of entry.
- Epidemiological investigation and contact tracing.
- Treatment of infected cases and containment of affected areas.
- A risk communication plan and EID materials for the general public.
- The respective responsibilities of government agencies/instrumentalities.
Funding and budget integration
- Under Section 4, member-agencies are authorized to charge against their current appropriations such amounts as may be necessary for implementing the order.
- Under Section 4, subsequent funding requirements must be incorporated in the annual budget proposals of the respective member-agencies through the General Appropriations Act.
- Under Section 4, additional funds and possible fund sources necessary for implementation must be identified and provided for by the Department of Budget and Management.
Separability and repealing rules; effectivity
- Under Section 5, if any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain valid and subsisting.
- Under Section 6, all orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the order’s provisions are repealed or modified accordingly.
- Under Section 7, the order takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.