Palace: PNP can’t arrest anyone with mere filing of impeach raps vs Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) could not arrest anyone with the mere filing of an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokersperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after PNP Chief General Oscar Albayalde said they would arrest impeachment proponents against Duterte if the Chief Executive would order it and if there would be a violation of the law.

READ: Albayalde: PNP to obey Duterte if he orders arrest of impeachment backers

“No, mere filing is not [a basis for arrest]. That is not what the President meant,” Panelo said, referring to the statement of Duterte to jail those who would file an impeachment case against him.

READ: Duterte on impeachment proponents: I’ll jail them all

“That was only an expression of displeasure, disappointment. It is a righteous indignation,” he added.

Panelo, who is also Duterte’s chief legal counsel, said that the mere filing of an impeachment case was not a violation.

“No it’s not. It’s not because it’s every citizen’s right, as what Secretary [Menardo] Guevarra said,” he said.

The Palace official said the PNP will only arrest individuals if they commit violations.

“Eh kung may violation. Ibig sabihin kung may violation kayo,” he said.

Will the Palace remind the PNP that it is unlawful to arrest on the basis of mere filing?

“You don’t need to remind them, they know their law,” he said.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)