Law Summary

Introduction

This Executive Order No. 201, issued on April 26, 2003, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, outlines the powers, functions, and responsibilities of government agencies in response to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. The order emphasizes the need for coordinated action to protect public health amid the threat of the contagion.

SECTION 1: Assignment of Primary Responsibility

• Legal Principle: The Secretary of Health is designated as the Crisis Manager for SARS.
• Key Definition: Crisis Manager - The official responsible for overseeing the response to the SARS outbreak.

SECTION 2: Powers and Functions

• Legal Principle: The Secretary of Health is granted extensive powers to contain and control the spread of SARS.

• Key Requirements:

  • Implement rigorous entry screening at ports.
  • Establish a surveillance and quarantine system.
  • Create SARS Outbreak Response Teams.
  • Conduct public awareness campaigns.

• Important Procedures:

  • Develop a triage system for possible SARS cases.
  • Implement clinical management training for health practitioners.

SECTION 3: Assistance and Support

• Legal Principle: The Secretary of Health can call on other government agencies for support.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaboration with various departments (e.g., Department of Interior, Department of Foreign Affairs).
  • Enlist support from military and police for enforcement.

SECTION 4: Funding

• Legal Principle: Allocation of funds for SARS response.
• Key Requirement: Up to One Billion Pesos to be sourced from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

SECTION 5: Classification of SARS

• Legal Principle: SARS is classified as a quarantinable disease due to its contagious nature.

SECTION 6: Examination and Surveillance of Vessels and Aircraft

• Legal Principle: Bureau of Quarantine and International Health Surveillance (BQIHS) is tasked with examination and quarantine procedures.

• Key Procedures:

  • Surveillance of sanitary conditions at ports.
  • Issuance of health documentation.

SECTION 7: Treatment and Containment of SARS

• Legal Principle: Establishment of rules regarding the treatment and management of SARS patients.

• Key Requirements:

  • Promulgation of regulations by the Secretary of Health for hospital management of SARS cases.

SECTION 8: Authority of the Department of Education

• Legal Principle: Authority to close schools and manage educational facilities during the crisis.

• Important Procedures:

  • Suspension of classes as advised by the Secretary of Health.

SECTION 9: Authority of the Department of the Interior and Local Government

• Legal Principle: Mobilization of police and local governments to manage quarantine areas.

• Key Responsibilities:

  • Isolation of affected areas and enforcement of public order.
  • Control of movements in quarantine zones.

SECTION 10: Responsibilities of the Department of Labor and Employment

• Legal Principle: Information dissemination regarding travel to affected areas.

• Key Procedures:

  • Monitor and control the departure of workers bound for SARS-affected countries.

SECTION 11: Responsibilities of the Department of Foreign Affairs

• Legal Principle: Coordination with embassies to minimize the entry of SARS cases.

• Key Procedures:

  • Issuance of travel advisories.

SECTION 12: Responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and Communications

• Legal Principle: Control of transportation facilities to prevent SARS spread.

• Key Requirements:

  • Ensure availability of necessary infrastructure at transportation terminals.

SECTION 13: Responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry

• Legal Principle: Prevention of profiteering during the SARS crisis.

SECTION 14: Responsibilities of the Bureau of Immigration

• Legal Principle: Conduct inspections of passengers from affected regions.

• Key Requirements:

  • Maintain detailed records of arrivals and departures.

SECTION 15: Responsibilities of the National Security Adviser and Council

• Legal Principle: Coordination of national intelligence regarding the SARS threat.

SECTION 16: Responsibility of the Office of the Press Secretary

• Legal Principle: Support public awareness campaigns regarding SARS.

SECTION 17: Responsibility of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

• Legal Principle: Development of insurance packages for health workers exposed to SARS.

SECTION 18: Sanctions and Penalties

• Legal Principle: Violations of directives may lead to penalties.

• Key Provisions:

  • Enforcement of penalties as per applicable laws.

SECTION 19: Effectivity

• Legal Principle: The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon approval.

Key Takeaways

• The Secretary of Health is the primary authority in managing the SARS crisis with extensive powers to implement health measures.
• Quarantine and public health education are prioritized to contain the spread of SARS.
• Various government agencies are called to collaborate and fulfill specific roles to support the overall response strategy.
• Significant funding and resources are allocated to address the public health emergency, with strict penalties for non-compliance with the order.