Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has reiterated that mass gatherings are still not allowed under the general community quarantine after being informed of the plan to conduct a mañanita-like protest against the anti-terrorism bill.
“Well, kung ano po ‘yung ipinagbabawal ay ipinagbabawal. Hindi naman palibhasa na nangyari po ‘yan sa pulis, pwede nang gawin ng lahat. Dahil hindi pa naman po sigurado na walang parusang ipapataw kay General Sinas. Tuloy po ang mga kasong kriminal at kasong administratibo laban sa kaniya. (Well, what is prohibited is prohibited. Just because it happened to the police, everyone can do it. There is no certainty that General Sinas will not go unpunished. The criminal and administrative cases against him continue.)”
Meanwhile, Secretary Roque ensured that the anti-terrorism bill will be thoroughly assessed and that President Rodrigo R. Duterte will do what is best for the public.
“Na-receive na po ‘yan ng Malacanang. Iyan po ay pinag-aaralan na ng Malacanang Legal Office. At malalaman naman po natin within 30 days kung ano ang magiging aksyon ng Presidente. Pwede niyang pirmahan ‘yan within 30 days, puwedeng walang gawin and it will lapse into law, pwede niyang i-veto (Malacañang has received it and is being studied by the Malacañang Legal Office. We will know the action of the President within 30 days. He can sign it within 30 days, he can do nothing and it will lapse into law, he can also veto).”
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also stated that the retraction of votes by several congressmen is “not part of the rules”. In his opinion, the retraction will only show their change of vote to their constituents but the count will not be altered. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
