Powers and Responsibilities of the Secretary of Health
- Granted authority to contain, control, prevent, and restrict the spread of SARS.
- Responsibilities include:
- Preventing/minimizing imported SARS cases via rigorous screening at ports of entry.
- Establishing surveillance, alert, and quarantine systems.
- Minimizing local spread through triage systems, contact tracing, SARS Outbreak Response Teams, quarantine, and isolation procedures.
- Reducing mortality through effective clinical management and capacity building in medical facilities.
- Conducting public education campaigns on SARS prevention and control.
- Coordinating with agencies to mitigate non-health consequences on tourism, trade, labor, and other sectors.
Governmental Assistance and Support
- Authority to call upon governmental agencies including the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Foreign Affairs, Transportation, Education, Labor, Tourism, Trade, Social Welfare, and others.
- May request support from Armed Forces, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard for quarantine enforcement and patient transport.
- All government agencies must provide relevant information to the Department of Health.
Funding Provisions
- Allocation of up to One Billion Pesos from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to fund initiatives under this order.
Classification of SARS as a Quarantinable Disease
- SARS officially classified as a quarantinable disease due to its highly contagious nature and public health risks.
Quarantine and Surveillance Procedures
- Bureau of Quarantine and International Health Surveillance (BQIHS) authorized to examine vessels and aircraft, monitor sanitary conditions, and enforce quarantine at ports and airports under supervision of the Secretary of Health.
Regulations on Treatment and Containment
- The Secretary of Health or designee to issue rules for hospital and quarantine area management for SARS patients, ensuring health and safety of victims, contacts, and communities.
Authority Granted to the Department of Education
- Power to close or suspend classes in educational institutions upon the Secretary of Health's advice.
- Authority to utilize educational facilities for SARS containment and manage health advisory dissemination.
Role of the Department of Interior and Local Government
- Mobilization and supervision of the Philippine National Police and local governments to enforce quarantine and maintain order.
- Implementation of checkpoints and movement restrictions respecting constitutional rights.
- Facilitation of transport and isolation of SARS patients aligned with lawful orders.
- Prohibition of arbitrary arrests except as authorized by court orders or quarantine directives.
Responsibilities of the Department of Labor and Employment
- Provide information to departing Filipinos bound for SARS-affected areas.
- Authority to prevent departure from affected areas when public safety requires.
- Monitor returning overseas Filipino workers as potential health threats.
Duties of the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Coordinate with Philippine embassies and consulates for dissemination of travel advisories and preventive measures to reduce SARS entry risks.
Obligations of the Department of Transportation and Communications
- Provide necessary infrastructure at transportation terminals for SARS control.
- Regulate entry and exit of transportation modes as determined by public safety needs.
Department of Trade and Industry Responsibilities
- Implement measures to prevent profiteering and unscrupulous conduct harmful to public welfare.
Bureau of Immigration Functions
- Strictly inspect arrivals and departures involving SARS-affected countries.
- Maintain and provide detailed passenger records to the Secretary of Health.
Role of the National Security Adviser and Council Secretariat
- Support health efforts through intelligence coordination and strategic assessments regarding the SARS threat.
Responsibilities of the Office of the Press Secretary
- Assist and promote the nationwide SARS awareness campaign spearheaded by the Department of Health.
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
- Develop health insurance packages covering hospitalization and related expenses for public health workers who contract SARS during duty.
Sanctions and Penalties
- Violations of lawful directives by designated authorities are punishable under existing laws and regulations.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order is effective immediately upon approval on April 26, 2003.