Malacañang noted in an online press conference on Apr. 20 that planting vegetables is among the “best” examples of punishments for violators of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, this is a way to avoid human rights violations while still teaching a lesson, since currently, there are no definite punishments yet to those who disobey the ECQ protocols.
“Kinakailangan ito’y sang-ayon sa Saligang Batas at kinakailangan ito’y proportional doon sa objectives ng ECQ na pabagalin ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” said Roque.
“Sa akin po, napakaraming iba’t ibang parusa. Pero siguro po, matuto tayo doon sa ilang mga best examples. Sa Pampanga po, pinagtatanim ng gulay ang mga nahuling nagvviolate ng ECQ, siguro po pwede tayong magkaroon ng mga ganyang parusa na hindi tayo lumalabag sa karapatang pantao,” he added.
On Apr. 18, around 35 first-time offenders of ECQ protocols were made to plant vegetables in San Fernando City’s nursery. These violations included the non-observance of curfew hours, non-wearing of face masks outside and inability to present a quarantine pass.
According to city police director Paul Gamido, the violators planted kalabasa and okra for two to three hours and were also taught gardening methods. This, as Gamido explained, is more productive instead of requiring violators to perform body exercises for several hours.
In line with the concern of human rights violations in the punishments for ECQ violations, Roque earlier said that they “will appreciate receipt of detailed information of the same for proper action by the appropriate agencies.”
Header photo from Inquirer Central Luzon
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