NBI probes Mayor Vico Sotto for allowing tricycles to operate during ECQ

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has  started its investigation on Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto as regards his initial decision to allow tricycles to operate despite the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Today (April 1), NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor sent a letter to Sotto seeking his explanation on his alleged violation of Republic Act 11469, which gives President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to deal with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 or 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 obtained by Politiko read.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto
(photo credit to owner) 

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 P10,000 up to P1 million.

The Pasig Mayor has up until April 7, 10AM to answer and give his explanation regarding the charges against him.

“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.

Earlier, Sotto said he allowed the tricycles to operate in his jurisdiction last March 14 to allow medical professionals/frontliners to reach hospitals, when the Chief Executive ordered the halt of public transportation in Metro Manila to minimize the movement of people and eventually to stop the spreading of COVID-19.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano, however, rebuffed the young mayor, 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.

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Report from Politiko

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