Law Still Applies To Officials Breaking COVID-19 Health Protocols
LAW STILL APPLIES TO OFFICIALS – IATF co-chairperson Karlo Nograles emphasized that government officials are still accountable for their actions.
Recently, Police Chief General Debold Sinas and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque tested positive for COVID-19. Prior to this, the two had controversies leading up to their isolation.
During the early days of the pandemic, Siñas went viral for his “mañanita” celebration. Meanwhile, Roque got a chance to take picture with some dolphins.
But, a year into the pandemic and things haven’t changed a bit in terms of controversy. Instead of Dolphins, Roque was seen diving in Boracay. Additionally, Sinas was called out for his “alleged violation” of COVID-19 protocols.
Still, despite the massive public backclash, both Sinas and Roque are pretty much well in the clear. However, Nograles stated that:
We try as much as possible to enforce the law as equally as we can. I think the message is dapat equal naman treatment of the law d’yan. So anong position ka man, whether you’re in public or private service, dapat the law knows no positions or anything like that. It has to be applied equally…
So kung may mahuhuling public official, then it has to be applied equally
Furthermore, he stated that officials proven guilty of breaking protocol are accountable to the Civil Service Commission and other laws. “Lahat yan, the measures, the mechanism is there in place…Anybody can file a case against any public official they feel is breaking the law or not following protocols“.
But, when asked on him opinion about the activities of Roque and Sinas, the secretary played it safe and said that the public should give the two an opportunity to respond themselves.
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