MANILA – Sen. Francis Pangilinan reminded law enforcers to perform their duties based on what is legal – and to not follow any order to violate any law.
President Rodrigo Duterte has directed law enforcers to enforce stricter measures against loiterers to make the streets safer.
Pangilinan reminded the President on Monday that loitering is no longer a crime – Republic Act 10158 has decriminalized vagrancy, he stressed.
Police have the duty to maintain public order and safety – they should know the laws and enforce them properly, Pangilinan stressed.
“Kayo ang dapat manguna sa pagsunod ng batas at hindi pasimuno sa paglabag dito. Sumunod sa batas at hindi sa utos na lumabag dito,” he said.
Duterte has asked the police to bring those who violate anti-loitering policies to Malacañang.
“If you don’t go home, I would bring you to the office of – Pasig. I’ll take care of it. Just leave it there. Tie the hands – I would throw it there,” he said.
Pangilinan added: “Doble na sweldo ng mga pulis, sundalo, at lahat ng uniformed personnel ng pamahalaan.
“Gampanan niyo naman ang inyong tungkulin sa taumbayang pinagmumulan ng inyong kabuhayan at kapangyarihan,” he added. “Maglingkod nang maayos at nang ayon sa batas.”/PN
