Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has warned hotels which accept fees to allow individuals to skip and violate quarantine protocols that they will face dire consequences.
“To all hotels and motels, don’t ever violate IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force] rules. If you violate, even if we want businesses to continue and for people to have jobs, but if you are going to endanger the public for a fee or because of connections or because you are elitists, I will have no choice but to order your closure,” Domago said.
Domagoso made the warning following reports that certain hotels offer absentee quarantine packages to Returning Filipino Overseas (RFOs), a modus that came to light after a balikbayan dubbed as “Poblacion Girl” went viral on social media for flouting isolation protocols. The female guest went to Poblacion in Makati to party with friends when she is supposed to be undergoing quarantine.
“Plain and simple reminder: There are existing laws in the country that you can be held liable for criminally,” he said.
“Our situation is difficult. Our mission is to make it more bearable. Let us help each other and be responsible for each other. This is a gentle reminder: practice due diligence,” Domagoso added.
Earlier, Moreno opened the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital in Luneta as a quarantine facility for infected RFOs following the rise of new COVID-19 cases and confirmed cases of the Omicron variant among balikbayans.
The Manila City government will shoulder all expenses until all ROFs complete their quarantine requirements.
The Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital, which was initially intended for “mild and asymptomatic patients,” can accommodate up to 344 RFOs.