Lacson: Jinggoy's 'arrest' shouldn't deter volunteerism amid pandemic | Inquirer News

Lacson: Jinggoy’s ‘arrest’ shouldn’t deter volunteerism amid pandemic

/ 07:48 AM May 04, 2020

Jinggoy Estrada

Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada gives a statement to reporters outside the San Juan City Police Station on his being held for allegedly violating quarantine rules on Sunday, May 3, 2020. (Photo from a video on his Facebook page under the name CitiSen Jee)

MANILA, Philippines — The “arrest” of former Senator Jinggoy Estrada for allegedly violating quarantine rules when he distributed food to residents in San Juan City should not discourage volunteerism during the coronavirus crisis, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Monday.

“I hope ex-Sen Estrada’s arrest will not discourage volunteerism during this time of crisis when Filipinos want to share whatever they can with those who direly need help. Regardless of the motive, help given still helps,” Lacson said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Police, however, said Estrada was only invited to the San Juan City police station for his supposed violations of enhanced community quarantine rules.

Local authorities said Estrada did not secure a mayor’s permit for the activity and that physical distancing was not observed during the distribution.

Article continues after this advertisement

When he was at the police station, Estrada was made to explain his actions and was warned that its repeat will be “dealt with accordingly,” read a police report.

Article continues after this advertisement

He was released in the evening.

Article continues after this advertisement

Estrada said he was singled out and that politics might have been involved.

“In my own opinion, I never violated any law, especially to ECQ [enhanced community quarantine]. I don’t blame the police. They’re just doing their job. I do not have anything against them. This is local politics. The current administration of San Juan does not want us to help.” he said, referring to San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who defeated Estrada’s daughter in the 2019 mayoral race.

Article continues after this advertisement

“People are hungry, have no work, He should understand that. What he’s asking me again is for a permit,” he added, speaking partly in Filipino.

“There are a lot of civic organizations, non-government organizations, private citizens, civilians like me who are distributing or donating relief goods here in the city of San Juan without any permit. Why are they singling me out? Just because I’m an Estrada?” he also said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

RELATED STORIES
 
Ex-senator Jinggoy Estrada brought to police station for alleged ECQ violations

Jinggoy Estrada says politics behind his being held by police

GSG
RELATED VIDEO

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: Coronavirus, coronavirus Philippines, COVID-19, Ping Lacson, San Juan City

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.