Senator Ralph Recto. INQUIRER file photo / EDWIN BACASMAS
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday chided the Philippine National Police (PNP) for seemingly declaring “war against love” instead of against the Covid-19 pandemic when it discouraged couples from showing public displays of affection (PDA).
The PNP leadership should clarify the pronouncement made by its spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Idebrandi Usana, on PDA, Recto said in a statement.
“On its face, his statement seems to be a police declaration of war on love, and not on Covid. If these are the new rules of romantic engagement during LDR—Love in Duterte’s Rule—then I believe that the President would not agree to it,” the senator said.
“If all acts of public display of affection are prohibited—harmless kisses, holding hands, hugs—then the rules border on the absurd,” he added.
Recto questioned the reasoning behind discouraging PDA when couples share the same bed.
“Take note, the PNP spokesman’s statement frowns upon public display of lovey-dovey ‘for health reasons.’ So a couple who shares a bed at night cannot kiss each other goodbye on the street when they go their separate ways to work and should just text each other kiss emojis?” he said.
“Ang bait naman ni Covid [Covid is so kind] that it doesn’t harm couples making out in private. This is a scientific eureka moment worthy of a Nobel Prize,” he added.
Further, Recto wondered whether the ban would also prohibit a wife holding her husband while onboard the back of a motorcycle.
“Will her hug be prohibited, too?” he asked.
“Will the ban include the ‘Mano po!’ of kids to their grandparents, as it falls under the standard definition of affectionate acts?” he also said.
The senator then stressed that communication is an “important tool” in fighting the pandemic.
“Words can move—and frighten—a nation. When you wield a loud microphone, don’t treat it like a police whistle you can blow anytime,” he said.