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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider DOJ assigns prosecutor to conduct preliminary probe of raps vs Pimentel

DOJ assigns prosecutor to conduct preliminary probe of raps vs Pimentel

Published Apr 8, 2020 12:00 am
By Jeffrey Damicog The Department of Justice (DOJ) has assigned a prosecutor who will conduct the preliminary investigation of the complaint filed against Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III for allegedly breaching quarantine protocols. Aquilino Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III (Rio Leonelle Deluvio / MANILA BULLETIN) Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said he has assigned the case to Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval who will be conducting the preliminary investigation hearings to determine if there is probable cause to file charges in court. Malcontento assigned the prosecutor after the complaint was filed by former University of Makati law dean Rico Quicho last Monday, April 6. “Subpoena will be issued next week, likely hearing after ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) around mid-May,” the prosecutor general disclosed. In his complaint, Quicho, the former spokesman of former Vice President Jejomar Binay and late Chief Justice Renato Corona, said Pimentel should be held liable for violating Republic Act No. 11332, the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, and its implementing rules and other Department of Health (DOH). “With this, I hope the DOJ will swiftly act and pursue legal actions against Senator Koko Pimentel,” Quicho previously stated. “We trust that DOJ will be true to its commitment to the Filipino people to uphold the rule of law without fear or favor,” he added. The case concerns the March 24 visit of Pimentel who accompanied his wife, Kathryna, to the Makati Medical Center (MMC), while the senator was suspected of having the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. MMC had denounced the lawmaker’s actions since he was supposed to be under self-quarantine at that time when he was considered a person under monitoring (PUM). After his visit, Pimentel confirmed he was tested positive for having the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Meanwhile, his wife already gave birth last March 29.
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