MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said it would welcome any congressional investigation on the government’s anti-tambay (loiterers) campaign.
“Congress has the power to have that kind of investigation, especially since it will be in aid of legislation,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro City.
Reports said that the Makabayan Bloc of the House of Representatives filed a resolution on Monday seeking a probe into the Philippine National Police’s anti-loitering operations.
In the Senate, meanwhile, opposition Senator Bam Aquino also filed a resolution calling for an inquiry into the anti-loitering drive aimed at increasing police visibility and preventing crimes.
“We always welcome any congressional inquiry. We are not hiding anything,” Roque, a former lawmaker, said.
Roque explained that there is no need for the national government to require all local government units (LGUs) to follow President Rodrigo Duterte’s order on loiterers.
“There is nothing to issue since it is a basic implementation of the law,” Roque said, referring to the local ordinances of every LGU.
He clarified that the President has no order to arrest loiterers, who do not violate the law and local ordinances.
“The President has clarified one thing I’ve been explaining ever since. I’m consistent that only those who violates the ordinances and the laws will be arrested” Roque said.
However, Roque said the police can advise the loiterers to go home instead of roaming around the streets with some of them half-naked. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
