Lacson calls for 'riot' probe; Pangilinan bats for clear-cut solutions
Published Apr 2, 2020 12:00 am
By Mario Casayuran
Senator Panfilo Lacson called for an investigation of the violence that ensued from a protest action in Quezon City.
He said the authorities must ascertain if this was a “valid, spontaneous act of hunger-driven protesters who simply lost their patience out of exasperation” over the alleged delay in the distribution of aid to needy communities during the ongoing enforcement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Manila Bulletin)
In a televised message last Wednesday night, President Duterte said, "Let this be a warning to all. Follow the government at this time because it is critical that we have (law) and order.”
Lacson asked whether the riot was initiated by groups out to take advantage of the current crisis.
“ (The) authorities may opt to look into a possible ‘dry run’ to test public sentiment as well as the ability of law enforcers to respond,’’ he said.
‘’This is not to say that all protests during the ECQ should be presumed as (being) politically instigated, but it cannot be denied that there may be groups with motive to exploit the volatility of the situation to advance their own political agenda,’’ he added.
Senator Francis N. Pangilinan said the President’s harsh words are not the solution to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ECQ measures on the poorest and marginalized sectors of society.
‘’Ilabas ang pondo para sa mga gunigutom dahil sa lockdown at para sa mga health workers na kapos ang mga gamit, PPEs at iba pa,’’ Pangilinan said. (Bring out the funds for the people made hungry because of the lockdown and for health workers who lack medical supplies and other needs.)
‘’Maliwanag na plano at solusyon para sa kaligtasan sa COVID-19 at sa kawalan ng makain ang punteryahin. Tama na ang pa siga siga na walang anumang saysay sa pagresolba sa pandemya at gutom,’’ he added.
(“Clear-cut plans and solutions are needed to stave off the threats and harsh impact of COVID-19. Enough of the use of street toughie tactics that are useless in resolving the pandemic and hunger.”)
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Manila Bulletin)
In a televised message last Wednesday night, President Duterte said, "Let this be a warning to all. Follow the government at this time because it is critical that we have (law) and order.”
Lacson asked whether the riot was initiated by groups out to take advantage of the current crisis.
“ (The) authorities may opt to look into a possible ‘dry run’ to test public sentiment as well as the ability of law enforcers to respond,’’ he said.
‘’This is not to say that all protests during the ECQ should be presumed as (being) politically instigated, but it cannot be denied that there may be groups with motive to exploit the volatility of the situation to advance their own political agenda,’’ he added.
Senator Francis N. Pangilinan said the President’s harsh words are not the solution to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ECQ measures on the poorest and marginalized sectors of society.
‘’Ilabas ang pondo para sa mga gunigutom dahil sa lockdown at para sa mga health workers na kapos ang mga gamit, PPEs at iba pa,’’ Pangilinan said. (Bring out the funds for the people made hungry because of the lockdown and for health workers who lack medical supplies and other needs.)
‘’Maliwanag na plano at solusyon para sa kaligtasan sa COVID-19 at sa kawalan ng makain ang punteryahin. Tama na ang pa siga siga na walang anumang saysay sa pagresolba sa pandemya at gutom,’’ he added.
(“Clear-cut plans and solutions are needed to stave off the threats and harsh impact of COVID-19. Enough of the use of street toughie tactics that are useless in resolving the pandemic and hunger.”)