Lawmakers hit PNP for ban on holding hands by couples

The Philippine National Police has “bigger fish to fry” than “absurdly” going after couples who engage in public displays of affection.

Lawmakers on Friday scolded the PNP for its plan to discourage public displays of affection, including the holding of hands and embracing among couples, family members and friends.

Saying it is “absurd” to impose such restrictions on couples, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Jericho Nograles said the police should focus on cleansing its ranks of scalawags and misfits.

“Physical distancing is a collective effort in the fight against the virus but the men and women of the PNP have bigger fish to fry. The top brass should review their priorities,” Nograles said in a statement.

“There are more immediate and pressing matters other than running after couples. The security guards and the barangay tanods are already actively reminding people of physical distancing,” he said.

Nograles made the remarks after the PNP reminded the public to refrain from public displays of affection and maintain social distancing as COVID-19 cases rose in past days.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the directive was “an attempt to divert the public’s attention” from the Bloody Sunday raids that left nine activists dead.

“Why not stop killing unarmed citizens instead of enforcing another stupid policy? … They should stop being quack doctors. What Filipinos need are aid, justice and a safe society,” she said.

Nograles also reminded the PNP of policemen’s involvement in the ambush on Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino, which the police immediately declared as a shootout.

He also cited the Quezon City shootout between the PNP and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency a few weeks back, the shootout between police and Philippine Army intelligence agents in Sulu last year, and the shooting of a discharged soldier in Quezon City by policemen.

“Unless the top brass wants the people to fear the police instead of see them as professional public servants, then the PNP has to take action against scalawags and misfits,” Nograles said.