Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not order the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to summon Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, following NBI’s invitation to the mayor to explain his alleged violation of RA 11469 or Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Guevarra said there was no letter addressed to Sotto but “pursuant to the president’s instruction, the DOJ has directed the NBI and its regional offices, as well as all field offices of the national prosecution service, to monitor the actions of all LGU officials and investigate any violation or contravention of guidelines set by the IATF,” Guevara clarified.
He added that RA 11469 is not retroactive which means violators cannot be charged if an act is done before it becomes a law, unless the offense is done continuously.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) USec. Jonathan Malaya said he “sees no reason for the summons” and the case must be closed as Sotto has already cooperated with the DILG and has banned the use of tricycles in compliance with IATF guidelines.
The NBI served the subpoena for Sotto yesterday, directing him to appear at the NBI main office on April 7 at 10 a.m. The NBI clarified it was just an invitation to give Sotto the chance to explain and that no case was filed against him yet.
The bureau said Sotto is not being singled out and shared Senator Koko Pimentel, Talon Uno Brgy. Capt. Emeliano Ramos and Barangay Pag -asa Brgy. Capt. Rodolfo Palma have also been invited.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sotto in his Facebook post urged his constituents to not be affected by the said issue and that he will continue working especially in this time of crisis. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
