Sotto to NBI: We complied with all directives

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto on Wednesday said they have complied with all directives of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act after he was summoned by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to explain his alleged violation of the said law.

Sotto said the supposed violation which is allowing tricycles to ply in Pasig streets, was already stopped before the law was signed.

“They’re asking for an ‘explanation on the alleged violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (e.g. continuous tricycle operation),” Sotto said on Twitter.

“We complied with all directives. Hindi po illegal magbigay ng opinyon at alam kaya nila na March 24 naging batas ang Bayanihan Act?” he added.

(It is not illegal to give an opinion and they know that the law was implemented on March 24.)

Earlier, NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said the invitation letter delivered to Sotto was to allow him to explain his side on an allegation that he overstepped the national government’s guidelines in enforcing the community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease.

The Pasig mayor is required to submit his explanation on April 7 at 10 a.m.

To recall, Sotto allowed tricycles to ferry passengers, especially health workers, to their destinations as mass transport services are suspended during the quarantine period, citing that some emergencies can be reached through tricycles.

But the Department of the Interior and Local Government insisted that tricycles should be banned during the ongoing quarantine period, saying social distancing cannot be implemented inside the said vehicle.

Metro Manila police chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas said Sotto will comply with the prohibition of tricycles on March 20 which is four days before the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the law which grants President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers, was approved.