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The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will continue its preliminary investigation into Major General Debold Sinas of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and several other police officers who allegedly violated quarantine rules during the celebration of his 55th birthday.
This was confirmed by the Secretary of Justice, Menardo I. Guevarra, despite the pronouncement of President Duterte that he is willing to acquit Sinas if it is established that he has violated any law.
Guevarra said prosecutors would have to complete the preliminary investigation process; Until then, there is no reason for the president to exercise his right to grant executive clemency.
“The DOJ / prosecutor has to complete the preliminary investigation process; executive clemency can come only after a guilty plea, “said Guevarra. “If he is not found guilty, there is no room for the executive clemency request.”
The attorney general also expressed the belief that Duterte’s saying that he would acquit Sinas “if he has” committed any crime only indicates that the president is willing to await a sentence of guilt or guilt after proper procedure, whether it be administrative or criminal ”. he is well aware that a case is still pending and is simply indicating his intention to act liberally, in consideration of Sinas’ overall performance as a career police officer, ”Guevarra said.
It should be remembered that the president previously said regarding Sinas: “If you have [committed] any offense is already forgiven. I do not see any crime with moral implications and malice. “
Sinas, along with 18 other officers, including five generals, have been charged before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office for violating City Ordinance 12, or the mandatory use of face masks in public and strict physical distancing. , and the Mandatory Report of Notifiable Diseases and Health. Law of Events of Concern for Public Health, or Law of the Republic 11332.
The case was shelved after several police officers and agents performed a “morning”, the traditional serenade at dawn by a senior PNP official on his birthday, on May 8, without complying with current health protocols.
Sinas and the other policemen were heavily criticized for holding the event without regard to health and safety protocols, which are being strictly applied to ordinary people.
Even thousands of people were arrested and charged for violating strict quarantine and health protocols.
