Lawmaker frustrated with courts’ ‘inability’ to facilitate case of ‘Piston 6’

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker said he was “frustrated” with the courts’ inability to facilitate the process of the case of the jeepney drivers who were arrested after organizing a protest for their loss of livelihood during the quarantine period.

Six jeepney drivers including Ruben Baylon, secretary-general of transport group Piston, have been detained since Tuesday for supposedly violating quarantine rules during their protest.

“Since last week I have been trying to post bail to the 6 Piston drivers but I am really frustrated by the seeming inability of courts to get their acts together in facilitating a process on how to serve our people, especially the marginalized,” Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice wrote in a post on Facebook.

Erice said, “it took 24 hours to facilitate the inquest by the prosecutor’s office.”

Courts are also closed on weekends and on Monday for disinfection, Erice said.

Erice appealed that courts should also extend extra effort for the marginalized society.

The jepney drivers are facing complaints of disobedience to social distancing and mass gathering rules, and resistance to persons in authority.