Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has apologized to Makati Medical Center (MMC) after he breached the safety protocols of the hospital against COVID-19.
The senator explained he had no intention to put the staff of the MMC in danger, and has asked for the public’s understanding.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Pimentel will not be arrested after the incident.
Section 9e of RA 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act prohibits the “non-cooperation of the person or entities identified as having the notifiable disease, or affected by the health event of public concern.”
The justice department has earlier made a pronouncement that violation of the Section 9 of RA 11332 may result to a warrantless arrest.
“A warrantless arrest is allowed following the en flagrante delicto principle, in cases of hot pursuit, among others. Thus far, reports have not alleged circumstances establishing the requirements for any of these grounds,” DOJ USec. Markk Perete pointed out.
However, Perete stated a warrantless arrest can be done if one is caught in the act which is not applicable to the senator’s case. The department also cannot immediately carry out an investigation since a complaint must be filed before an investigation can prosper.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured the DOJ will implement laws with human compassion.
“During abnormal times like these, when people are prone to commit mistakes or violations of the law, the DOJ will temper the rigor of the law with human compassion…
This is not to say that the DOJ will not act upon the filing of a proper complaint by any interested party…. Leave it to us to determine whether a motu propio investigation by the NBI would still be necessary,” he added.
Guevarra also said Pimentel will not be under parliamentary immunity now that the Congress in not in session.
S&R workers under quarantine
Supermarket S&R has confirmed Pimentel was in their BGC branch last March 16, and all the people he had contact with were advised to undergo home quarantine.
The supermarket said they have already conducted all the necessary disinfection process.
Pimentel has received criticism after his visit to MMC even if he was considered a PUI, and ordered to follow home quarantine protocols. Pimentel confirmed on Wednesday he tested positive for COVID-19.
The MMC has already denounced Pimentel’s act, as he placed the medical frontliners in danger. The workforce of the hospital maybe depleted as medical frontliners will now be quarantined. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
