Sen. Risa Hontiveros. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines — Is it now the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) job to intimidate people who want to exercise their constitutional rights?
Senator Risa Hontiveros had this to say to PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday after saying the police force will abide by Duterte’s possible orders to arrest those who will file an impeachment case against him.
READ: Albayalde: PNP to obey Duterte if he orders arrest of impeachment backers
“May I remind the PNP Chief that impeachment is a constitutional and democratic process that any Filipino citizen can avail of to exact accountability from impeachable public officials who may have seriously violated the Constitution and betrayed the public trust,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“To take part in it is not a crime nor an invitation for authorities to build a case against those who support such an initiative.”
The opposition senator added that Albayalde’s remarks not only “creates a chilling effect,” but also sends a message to impeachment backers that they will be subjected to police investigation and may face charges.
“Why would the PNP Chief even insinuate possible violations on the part of those who criticize the President, if not to intimidate and threaten them?” Hontiveros pointed out.
“Whether or not the President has committed impeachable offenses is the task of the legislature to scrutinize and determine based on a verified impeachment complaint,” she explained. “What is important is that any citizen who may want to avail of this constitutional and democratic process should be able to do so free from any form of intimidation and persecution.”
She also had this reminder to the PNP: “Not to serve as the President’s praetorian guard, but to ensure the public safety of citizens as we engage in the business of democracy.” (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)