MANILA – Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Go Yap were currently in hot water for breaching quarantine protocols against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Office of the Ombudsman is considering a probe on Pimentel for his action despite already subjected himself to COVID-19 test which eventually turned out positive last Tuesday night.
“I’m discussing with my subordinates if a motu proprio investigation will be conducted on Senator Koko Pimentel’s supposed breach of COVID-19 protocols at the Makati Medical Center,” Ombudsman Samuel Martires said in a statement.
Private lawyer Rico Quicho, meanwhile, is drafting criminal, civil, and administrative charges to be filed against Pimentel for “irresponsible and reckless” move when he accompanied his wife to the Makati Medical Center despite being on quarantine.
“I am preparing a complaint based on provisions of the Revised Penal Code and special laws,” Quicho said. “I have told the Philippine Medical Association, doctors, nurses, and patients that they can file complaints of their own.”
Department of Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete has earlier said that they are ready to probe Pimentel if someone will file a case against him, same goes with the Philippine National Police.
Pimentel came under fire after he accompanied his wife to MMC on Tuesday evening, despite being under self-quarantine. He also received a COVID-19 test result that evening where he is positive for the virus.
The MMC denounced Pimentel’s breach of the infection and containment protocols.
The senator was also spotted last week shopping at the S&R membership Shopping in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, which the store later confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) is considering filing charges against Yap for not disclosing necessary information when he entered the Palace for a meeting on March 21.
“For whatever reason, he failed to disclose all needed information. PSG troopers on duty assessed him according to the answers on the said form he submitted, the basis of which he was allowed entry,” PSG commander Colonel Jesus Durante III said.
“If really needed we could file a case against him for breach [of protocols],” he added. “This incident shall serve as a reference for PSG’s implementation of an enhanced screening measure for all those who enter Malacañang Complex.”
Yap earlier said evening that his COVID-19 testing, which was taken on March 15, has turned out to be positive. He added that he is ready to face any possible charges against him.
The Philippines is currently under a State of Public Health Emergency, a power under Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
Under the law, “non-cooperation of the person or entities identified as having the notifiable disease, or affected by the health event of public concern.”/PN
