THE Philippines’ House of Representatives has approved on third reading a measure penalizing discrimination against front-liners and COVID-19 patients.
Voting 204-0 with one abstention, lawmakers approved House Bill No. 6817 that seeks to stop discrimination against persons who are declared confirmed, suspect, probable, and recovered, healthcare workers and service providers.
It seeks to grant “full, inviolable protection against prejudice and discrimination to those who have already suffered and recovered from COVID-19, those who carry the brunt providing medical care, logistical and service support.”
It also seeks to recognize the dignity and heroism of the work of health workers, responders and service workers.
Those who will be found guilty of harassment or assault will face imprisonment of one year to 10 years or a fine of 200,000 pesos up to 1 million pesos while all the other offenses will be punishable with imprisonment six months up to five years or a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 pesos.
