Sotto hits treatment of hit-and-run driver, says he must take drug test
Outgoing Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III answers questions from media members Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Philippine Senate in Pasay City. (Albert Calvelo/Voltaire F. Domingo, Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday lamented how the driver who ran over a security guard could “walk free,” saying someone who is poor would have suffered different consequences.
“Kapag mahirap nagnakaw ng bayabas kulong agad (When poor people, for example, steal guavas, they’re locked up right away)! What’s happening to our country, Mr. President?” Sotto said in a tweet.
Kapag mahirap nagnakaw ng bayabas kulong agad! What’s happening to our country Mr President? https://t.co/9Yyjy8ZVPH
— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) June 16, 2022
Sotto was reacting to a tweet by broadcast journalist Karen Davila, who was disturbed that the driver was able to “walk free” after admitting to “running over the security guard” and even held a press conference with Philippine National Police (PNP).
Meanwhile, Sotto pointed out that the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 mandates a drug test for those involved in road accidents.
Article continues after this advertisement“Do not violate the law!” he stressed in a separate tweet.
Article continues after this advertisement“It must be the [c]omprehensive 5-way test of PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency), not the regular drug test,” he added.
The driver of the sport utility vehicle that ran over a security guard in Mandaluyong City surrendered to police on Wednesday, a week after the incident happened.
The driver, identified as Jose Antonio Sanvicente, apologized to the security guard. He also denied using drugs.
According to PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., Sanvicente can no longer be subjected to inquest proceedings as the period for it has lapsed.
The driver is facing complaints for frustrated murder and abandonment of the victim filed by the Mandaluyong Police.
Sanvicente can only be detained if the prosecution finds probable cause and files a case before a Regional Trial Court, which would then issue an arrest order against him.
