Tagagamit:BSrap/Controversies and criticisms related to COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

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Controversies related to 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines

NBI investigation of the politicians who violated quarantine protocols[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

Mayor Vico Sotto[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

After the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and before the enactment of the Bayanihan law, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto allowed temporarily the limited operation of the city's tricycles for use of health care workers, government personnel and patients despite the national government's ban on the operation of public transportation. Sotto mentioned that banning all tricycles in the city would bring more risk to the city's health situation.[1] After he aired the views and experiences of the local government of Pasig, Sotto complied with the inclusion of tricycles in the public transportation ban.[2]

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), through its Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin, confirmed on April 1, 2020 that NBI sent an invitation letter to Sotto for violation of Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. Lavin said that Sotto is scheduled to appear at the bureau on April 7, 2020 at 10 am. Sotto responded by saying that he had already complied with the national government's order to stop tricycle operations prior to the implementation of the law.[3][4] Senate President Tito Sotto, an uncle of the mayor, criticized the move in a tweet, stating "NBI will be well advised to be cautious in their interpretation of the law I principally authored. Any so-called violation of RA 11469 can't be retroactive!".[5] Liberal Party president and Senator Francis Pangilinan also questioned the NBI's actions, stating the unconstitutionality of criminalizing an act committed before the law was passed.

Social media responded heavily with criticism towards the NBI for allegedly singling out the mayor, even comparing the situation to that of Senator Koko Pimentel's case, who had violated quarantine protocols a few days prior at the Makati Medical Center, but was given consideration by the government.[6]

Koko Pimentel[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

Koko Pimentel

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) spokesperson Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said that the bureau was also investigating Senator Aquilino Pimentel III for alleged violation of the Bayanihan Heal as One Act. Director Eric Distor of the NBI confirmed that Pimentel would also be invited to the bureau to explain. He would be summoned when his self-quarantine ended.[7][8][9]

Pimentel had undergone testing for COVID-19 and was informed that he was positive for the disease while he was at the Makati Medical Center, accompanying his pregnant wife who was scheduled to give birth.[10] The results came out on March 25 and Pimentel was tested positive for COVID-19, making the second Senator to do so after Juan Miguel Zubiri.[11]

Quarantine violation-related controversies and incidents[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

Arrests of protesters in Quezon City[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

On April 1, 2020, the authorities arrested 20 protesters who flocked along Edsa in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City for staging a rally without a permit.[12] About 150 protesters called to local government for aid amid the enhance community quarantine in Luzon.[13] The NBI, however, did not comment what violations the organizers may be facing.[13] The rally leads the authorities to disperse the protesters.[14] The arrest was condemned by Kadamay Chairperson Bea Arellano.[14]

Shooting of Winston Ragos[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

Winston Ragos was a Philippine Army veteran who served in the Battle of Marawi in 2017.[15] He was shot dead by the police at a checkpoint while the country is under enhanced community quarantine for attempting to pull a gun. Ragos was brought to Commonwealth Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Witnesses say he did not bring a gun and his mother claimed her son was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following his tour of duty.[15][10]

On April 21, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo, Jr. and some police trainees from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group were manning a control point in Maligaya Drive, Brgy. Pasong Putik, Quezon City. In a CCTV footage, Ragos approached the policemen and started shouting due to their claim of him violating quarantine protocols. The police officers asked Ragos to go home and he allegedly attempted to pull out a .38 caliber hand gun from his sling bag prompting Florendo to shoot Ragos.[10][16] Florendo shot Ragos twice, causing him to stagger. Ragos stood up, before falling to the ground. Ragos was brought to Commonwealth Hospital and was declared dead at 5:57 p.m.[16]

Witnesses claimed the victim did not have a gun inside his bag. Upon checking, police found .38 caliber, I.Ds and quarantine pass.[17] For the Philippine National Police (PNP), it was a "judgment call" for Florendo.[18]

His death during the quarantine period led to heavy criticism of the PNP. Florendo surrendered to authorities and yielded his service firearm.[18] Senator Risa Hontiveros asked the human rights sector and the police to investigate his death and said in a Facebook post that law enforcement agencies do not have an excuse for brutality and violence towards persons with mental illness and the powerless.[19] A hashtag named #JusticeForWinstonRagos trended online.[20] The Quezon City government released a statement online on their stance as the Quezon City Police Department is undertaking a thorough investigation.[21] The Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives has condemned the shooting saying the incident “highlights the draconian handling” of the coronavirus crisis.[22]

Philippine Army conferred Military honors to the former soldier Corporal Winston Ragos. Philippine Army said it coordinated with Ragos's mother to extend honors to the soldier and proceed with funeral and burial arrangements at the Libingan ng mga Bayani April 26, 2020 Sunday at 12 noon. [23]

Makati scuffling incident[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

The scuffling incident happened in Dasmariñas Village in Makati on April 27, 2020 involving the Spanish citizen named Javier Parra and the police. The incident occurred when Police Senior Master Sergeant Roland Von Madrona and Bantay Bayan personnel Esteban Gaan, who were patrolling at village, saw Parra's housemaid named Cherilyn Escalante watering plants outside his property's parameter without wearing a face mask.[24] Madrona and Gaan approached the maid and told her to wear a mask; Escalante complies but Parra and his wife went outside and argued with the officers.[24] The argument lasted six minutes and was recorded on the video.[25] Parra also did not wear a face mask and a shirt; he prompts to humiliate and hurl at the police, according to the police.[24] Madrona attempted to arrest him but Parra evaded and went inside the house. Parra claimed that he was told by the cop to impose a fine of P1,000 due to not wearing the mask.[24]

Madrona filed criminal charges against Parra over the incident.[26]

Debold Sinas birthday party controversy[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

Despite a ban on mass gatherings amidst of enhance community quarantine, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) personnel celebrated the birthday of their chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas on May 8, 2020 at Camp Bagong Diwa.[27] His birthday celebration was met with criticism on social media.[28] The pictures of Sinas birthday party was circulated on the internet on May 13 showing the attendees appeared to disregard the rules social distancing and mass gatherings, which were place to minimize the risk of coronavirus spread.[28][29] The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered an investigation over Sinas's birthday party; however Gamboa defended Sinas, saying that he "do not think this is a violation."[30] Responding to the criticism, Sinas issued an apology over the event, saying that he did not intend to disobey the protocols related to the enhanced community quarantine. He also added that some of the photos were manipulated.[30][31] The NCRPO public information office clarified that some of the photos were taken in December 2019, and coincidentally, Sinas was wearing the same T-shirt on that day.[32] Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said that Sinas's birthday party "cannot be called a birthday party" but "that is uncalled for."[33] The president added that he needs police officers like Sinas to enforce the law in Metro Manila.[33]

On May 15, 2020, the PNP filed criminal charges against Sinas and 18 other officers who attended his birthday for violating the quarantine guidelines.[34][35] PNP Chief Gamboa, however, said that, despite the controversy, Sinas may not relieved from his post.[36] Before the event, Sinas served as the police director in Cebu City from July 2018 to October 2019 before he was appointed as National Capital Region Chief Police Officer.[31]

Despite the controversy, President Rodrigo Duterte assured Sinas that he will not resign from his post because "he is a good officer" and "an honest one."[37][38] Duterte's statement of staying Sinas at the post was met with condemnation from the human rights groups.[39][40]

Social media[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

Allegations of hospital not counting COVID-19 deaths[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

On April 11, 2020, GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio revealed the allegations through his social media account that one hospital in Metro Manila has not counted the deaths of COVID-19.[41] Clavio said that these information were coming from one of the frontliners he did not name and he also included the screenshots of the conversation of the frontliner.[42] The frontliner alleged that, due to lack of body bags, the bodies were spread out in the hospital hallway.[41] The DOH responded the allegations, clarifying that the agency has never issued any order to stop the census of COVID-19 deaths.[43] The DOH added that they have spoken Clavio for the matter and the agency is investigating the allegations.[42] The East Avenue Medical Center denied the claims that they are lacking body bags for the patients who died.[44]

#OustDuterte[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

The hashtag #OustDuterte and #OustDuterteNow soon become trended one day after the beginning of pandemic in the Philippines.[45] The netizens accused the government for failing to take immediate action of imposing the travel ban on all flights from China.[45]

On April 2, 2020 the hashtag was trended again on Twitter which garnered 327,000 tweets following Duterte's remarks of ordering to "shoot" the violators of COVID-19 quarantine protocol during his speech on April 1.[46][47] His remarks were widely condemned by netizens on Twitter including the local celebrities.[48]

References[baguhin | baguhin ang wikitext]

  1. ↑ Nievera, Allysa (March 18, 2020). "Mayor Sotto says total ban on tricycles in Pasig adds risk to health situation".
  2. ↑ "Vico Sotto: Pasig to follow nat'l gov't on tricycles ban" (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 1, 2020.
  3. ↑ "NBI asks Vico Sotto to explain 'violation' of quarantine policy". cnn (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 1, 2020.
  4. ↑ "NBI summons Vico Sotto for 'violating' Bayanihan Law". Rappler (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 7, 2020.
  5. ↑ Rey, Aika. "Tito Sotto 'defends' Vico: 'Violation of Bayanihan law can't be retroactive'". Rappler (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 1, 2020.
  6. ↑ Isinika, Alois. "#ProtectVico trends worldwide after NBI summons Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto". Rappler (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 1, 2020.
  7. ↑ "NBI: Koko Pimentel also under probe for violation of COVID-19 rules". GMA News Online (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 7, 2020.
  8. ↑ "NBI to summon gov't execs over breach of quarantine rules". Philippine News Agency (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 7, 2020.
  9. ↑ "NBI probes Koko Pimentel over possible quarantine breach". cnn (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong April 1, 2020.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Bajo, Anna Felicia (April 22, 2020). "Cops shoot army vet dead; kin say he was unarmed, had mental issues". GMA News Online (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ↑ "Pimentel tests positive for coronavirus". Rappler. Nakuha noong May 11, 2020.
  12. ↑ "QCPD rounds up 20 protesters demanding food aid from gov't". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 1, 2020.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "NBI probes rally of QC residents for possible quarantine violations". {hilippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 1, 2020.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "PANOORIN: Paghingi ng ayuda sa EDSA nauwi sa pag-aresto | TV Patrol". ABS-CBN News. Nakuha noong May 1, 2020.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Ferreras, Vince; Cahiles, Greg (April 22, 2020). "Retired soldier shot dead by police at checkpoint in Quezon City". CNN Philippines (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Talabong, Rambo (April 22, 2020). "QC cop faces criminal probe for killing 'mentally challenged' lockdown violator". Rappler (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ↑ Rola, Alyssa (April 23, 2020). "PNP chief says cop who shot ex-military only made 'judgment call', vows 'thorough' probe on incident". CNN Philippines (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Casilao, Joahna Lei (April 23, 2020). "PNP: Cop who shot army vet only made 'judgment call'". GMA News Online (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ↑ Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (April 22, 2020). "Hontiveros wants CHR, PNP to probe death of ex-soldier in Quezon City". newsinfo.inquirer.net (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ↑ "#JusticeForWinstonRagos hashtag on Twitter". twitter.com (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.
  21. ↑ Government, Quezon City (2020-04-22). "Statement of the Quezon City Government on the Brgy. Pasong Putik incident". @QCGov (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ↑ Mercado, Neil Arwin. "Makabayan bloc condemns shooting of ex-soldier at QC checkpoint". newsinfo.inquirer.net (sa Ingles). Nakuha noong 2020-04-23.
  23. ↑ [1] Philippine Army Honored Corporal Ragos; Be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 "Authorities urged to check if acts of foreigner in Makati village could get him deported". GMA News. Nakuha noong April 28, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Makati mayor pinaiimbestigahan ang nangyaring gulo sa pagitan ng pulis, foreigner | TV Patrol". ABS-CBN News. April 27, 2020. Nakuha noong May 11, 2020. Sa bidyong ito ng Makati police, pinagmumura ng nakahubad na lalaki ang naka-unipormeng police. Ang lalaki ay kinilala si Javier Salvador, isang Kastila na residente ng Dasmariñas Village. [...] Mahigit anim na minuto nagtalo si Salvador at Madrona habang umaawat ang misis ni Salvador.
  26. ↑ "Makati cop files criminal raps vs expat in Dasma scuffle". The Philippine Star. Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  27. ↑ "LOOK: Birthday salu-salo for NCRPO chief Sinas amid ECQ". Rappler. Nakuha noong May 14, 2020.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Solon chides Sinas: You could've stopped birthday party, but you chose not to". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 14, 2020.
  29. ↑ "'Sorry' Sinas probed over birthday gathering". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 14, 2020.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "'I don't think na merong violation': PNP chief defends Sinas' birthday fête". ABS-CBN News. Nakuha noong May 14, 2020.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "'Just like any other birthdays,' says Cebu-based media group head on Sinas". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 15, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Sinas birthday fete draws outrage". The Philippine Star. Nakuha noong May 17, 2020.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Birthday celebration for NCRPO's Sinas not a 'party' but uncalled for, says Año". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 17, 2020.
  34. ↑ "PNP files criminal, admin raps vs Sinas, 18 cops over birthday party". Rappler. Nakuha noong May 17, 2020.
  35. ↑ "PNP readies criminal charges vs Sinas for birthday gathering". Rappler. Nakuha noong May 15, 2020.
  36. ↑ "Sinas may not be sacked as NCRPO chief despite controversial birthday feast – PNP spox". CNN Philippines. Nakuha noong May 15, 2020.
  37. ↑ "Duterte keeps 'honest' Sinas despite 'manañita' mess". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 20, 2020.
  38. ↑ "Duterte keeps confidence in Sinas amid birthday party flak". CNN Philippines. Nakuha noong May 20, 2020.
  39. ↑ "Sinas a 'good and honest' cop? Never, says rights group Karapatan". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 20, 2020.
  40. ↑ "24 Oras Livestream | May 20, 2020 | Replay". GMA News. Nakuha noong May 20, 2020 – sa pamamagitan ng YouTube. Note: Skip to 16:43-17:13.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "Arnold Clavio exposes hospital reportedly not counting COVID-19 deaths; DOH denies allegation". Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Hospital told not to report coronavirus deaths? DOH probing allegation". Rappler. Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  43. ↑ "DOH: No order for hospitals to stop reporting COVID-19 deaths". CNN Philippines. Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  44. ↑ "EAMC denies claims they lack body bags for dead patients". GMA News. Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "#OustDuterte trends as gov't belies 'relaxed' approach to nCoV scare". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 1, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Duterte's 'kill' order during COVID-19 crisis fuels worldwide 'oust' trend". InterAksyon. Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  47. ↑ "'Shoot them dead': Duterte says won't tolerate lockdown violators". InterAksyon. Nakuha noong April 30, 2020.
  48. ↑ "Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin, and Gabbi Garcia: Celebrity tweets on the state of the nation". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Nakuha noong May 1, 2020.
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