COVID-19 SPREAD: LGUs with ports can decide on banning ships from China

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said it is up to local government units with ports in their jurisdiction whether or not to prohibit vessels from China to dock in their ports.

Lacson earlier said he will ask the Provincial Legal Office if there is a need for the provincial government to come up with an executive order banning ships from China amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

“I am leaving it to the local government units hosting these ports to decide whether to ban them or not. What is important is that the Department of Health protocol is followed in dealing with people on board these vessels to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Lacson said.

Lacson earlier mulled to follow Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia who issued an executive order banning vessels from China Hong Kong, and Macau from docking at the city-based ports.

Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said Leonardia’s executive order is in consonance with existing laws.

“It is also in line with a Department of Health circular,” Nellas said.

Lacson, however, is apprehensive about the effect of the ban on local commerce.

“We don’t want trade to be affected. I understand that ship was carrying fertilizer that is needed here in the province,” Lacson said.

Aside from Bacolod City, San Carlos City also banned vessels from China from docking in their ports.