By Jeffrey Damicog
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, April 2, defended its decision to investigate Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto for alleged violation of the national government’s quarantine rules.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin explained that based on NBI investigation, Sotto continues to allow tricycle operations in Pasig City in violation of the government directive which suspended public transportation under the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
“May hawak ang aming imbestigation na meron continuous tricycle operations na ipinatutupad (Our investigation has evidence that tricycle operations still continue),” Lavin said.
The NBI spokesman pointed this out in response to claims that Sotto cannot be held liable for alleged acts of violation that may have occurred before Republic Act 11469, the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act was signed into law by President Duterte last March 25.
The NBI’s Anti-Graft Division (NBI-AGD) has already sent on Wednesday, April 1, a letter to Sotto who was asked him to appear and explain his alleged violation of RA 11469.
“Yung sinasabi na walang retroactive effect, yes we know that. Kaya nga nilagay namin yun continuous tricycle operation (We know that penal laws have no retroactive effect. That’s why we indicated in the letter that continuous tricycle operations were observed),” Lavin explained.
The NBI spokesman noted that Sotto need not appear before NBI investigators on April 7.
“Nakalagay naman doon he can send a representative (The letter addressed to Sotto said he can send a representative),” Lavin said.
Lavin added that Sotto was also asked to bring with him pertinent documents to shed light over the allegations including project programs, issuances and ordinances, among others.
Sotto has denied the allegations against him and explained that he has followed the government’s quarantine rules including the suspension of public transportation.
READ MORE: NBI probes Vico for alleged violation of quarantine rules
(MANILA BULLETIN)
NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin explained that based on NBI investigation, Sotto continues to allow tricycle operations in Pasig City in violation of the government directive which suspended public transportation under the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
“May hawak ang aming imbestigation na meron continuous tricycle operations na ipinatutupad (Our investigation has evidence that tricycle operations still continue),” Lavin said.
The NBI spokesman pointed this out in response to claims that Sotto cannot be held liable for alleged acts of violation that may have occurred before Republic Act 11469, the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act was signed into law by President Duterte last March 25.
The NBI’s Anti-Graft Division (NBI-AGD) has already sent on Wednesday, April 1, a letter to Sotto who was asked him to appear and explain his alleged violation of RA 11469.
“Yung sinasabi na walang retroactive effect, yes we know that. Kaya nga nilagay namin yun continuous tricycle operation (We know that penal laws have no retroactive effect. That’s why we indicated in the letter that continuous tricycle operations were observed),” Lavin explained.
The NBI spokesman noted that Sotto need not appear before NBI investigators on April 7.
“Nakalagay naman doon he can send a representative (The letter addressed to Sotto said he can send a representative),” Lavin said.
Lavin added that Sotto was also asked to bring with him pertinent documents to shed light over the allegations including project programs, issuances and ordinances, among others.
Sotto has denied the allegations against him and explained that he has followed the government’s quarantine rules including the suspension of public transportation.
READ MORE: NBI probes Vico for alleged violation of quarantine rules