Bam questions continued implementation of drive vs loiterers

Senator Bam Aquino. PHOTO FROM AQUINO MEDIA OFFICE

Senator Bam Aquino questioned on Tuesday the government’s decision to continue, even without legal basis, its campaign against loiterers.

“Maraming mahihirap ang na-agrabyado at namatay pa si Tisoy, bakit pa nila itutuloy?” Aquino, an opposition member,” Aquino said in a statement.

(A lot of poor people had been taken advantage of, and Tisoy even died, why would they continue [this type of campaign.])

He was referring to Genesis “Tisoy” Argoncillo, who died in the custody of the Quezon City Police District four days after he was arrested for alleged alarm and scandal.

“Talagang nakakabahala itong pagtutuloy ng kampanya laban sa tambay dahil hanggang ngayon hindi pa nga nalilinaw ang legal basis nito,” Aquino, “Isa pa, kailangan munang panagutin ang mga umabuso at ayusin ang proseso.”

(The campaign they continue to implement against loiterers is really alarming because until now the legal basis for this is not yet clear.)

The senator’s statement came a day after Duterte reiterated his order to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ignore critics and continue its campaign against loiterers.

“Just follow orders,” Duterte said in a speech in Cagayan De Oro City on Monday.

“I will answer for you. Kung nakapatay ka diyan [If you ever killed somebody for this], that is my worry, that is not your worry,” he added.

READ: Duterte tells cops, soldiers: Don’t listen to critics, I’ll protect you

As this anti-crime drive pushes through, and so as the Senate investigation.

It was Aquino who initiated the probe amid reports of alleged abuses in the implementation of the campaign.

He said the inquiry also aimed to clarify Duterte’s “inconsistent pronouncements” on his own directive.

“Sa pabagu-bagong polisiya ng administrasyon sa mga tambay, lalong kailangan imbestigahan ito ng Senado para maklaro,” said the senator.

(With the sudden changes in the policy of the administration against loiterers, it is much fitting to conduct an investigation to clarify things up.)

Aquino has filed Senate Resolution No. 772, directing the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, headed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, to conduct the investigation. /jpv

READ: Bam Aquino seeks Senate probe on anti-tambay drive