Bataoil to fellow lawmakers: ‘We are not ‘high and mighty’

MANILA, Philippines — Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil on Monday reminded colleagues that they are “not high and mighty,” and that like others they are “subject to the law.”

Bataoil delivered a privilege speech before the plenary in relation to the alleged assault on Guimbal cop Police Officer III Federico Macaya by Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin.

The Pangasinan congressman, a former cop, said his “heart bleeds” for Macaya and “many other” policemen “quietly serving, and even dying albeit some of them being subjected as well to assault, disrespect, and abuse by persons in high elective posts.”

“I am sorry if my words here today will ruffle some feathers. That is not my intention. My intention is merely to remind us all that we are not high and mighty. What we have is merely an illusion,” he added.

Bataoil also stressed that even legislators are “subject to the law,” and that their actions must be guided by both the letter of the law, and the wishes and aspirations of our constituents.”

Garin allegedly beat up, spat at and slapped Macaya, while his father, Mayor Oscar Garin pointed a gun at the policeman. Both are now facing criminal and administrative charges.

READ: Rep. Garin, Guimbal mayor face raps for beating up, pointing gun at cop

While the Philippine National Police also has its faults, Bataoil said “it cannot be made to pass that both their image and wherewithal are allowed to slide further down.”

“In the same manner that one incident involving a Member does not define the House itself, a few bad eggs should not define the police as well,” he added. /ee