Netizens React After NBI Summons Pasig Mayor Vico For Violation Of Quarantine Rules

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started its investigation on Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for allowing tricycles to operate despite the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, the Politics website reports.

NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor sent a letter to Sotto Wednesday, April 1, seeking his explanation on his alleged violation of Republic Act No. 11469, which gives President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to deal with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

“This is in connection with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Anti-Graft Division, this Bureau, relative to the possible violation/s of Local Government Units (LGUs) and/or executives who do not follow the national guidelines on how to implement the Enhanced Community Quarantine set by the government,” the letter stated.

Section 6(a) of RA 11469 states that “LGU officials disobeying national government policies or directives in imposing quarantines” could be imprisoned for two months or ordered to pay a fine ranging from ₱10,000 up to ₱1 million.

Sir Distor told Mayor Sotto to send a representative bringing his written explanation on April 7, 10 a.m. at the office of NBI’s Anti-Graft Division.

“Corollary thereto, please bring all relevant Local Ordinances, Issuances, and Plans and Programs of your City and other pertinent documents relative to the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine,” the letter read.

Mayor Sotto had allowed tricycles to operate in Pasig following the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine on March 14 to allow medical frontliners to reach hospitals.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a halt on public transportation in Metro Manila to minimize the movement of people.

The Department of Interior and Local Government, however, rebuffed Mayor Sotto, saying he can’t insist on doing what he wants.

Mayor Sotto said he will comply with the national government’s orders and has since provided other means of transportation for health workers.

Meanwhile, netizens on social media react and defend the young mayor saying that Mayor Vico just doing his job as a public servant in order to help his countrymen.