PNP says filing of charges vs. VP part of mandate to uphold law

Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo: Office of the Vice President of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday asserted that the filing of criminal charges against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is part of its constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law regardless of political status.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil issued the statement following allegations from Duterte that the PNP is being used to politically harassed her.

“The PNP remains committed to its mandate to enforce the law without fear or favor. The filing of cases against any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, is a reflection of our duty to the constitution and the Filipino people,” Marbil said.

Last week, charges of direct assault, disobedience to authority and grave coercion were filed against Duterte, her head of securit and others in connection with an incident at Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City on Nov. 23.

The charges stemmed from allegations that Duterte and her security team obstructed the police from carrying out a House of Representatives’ order to bring lawyer Zuleika Lopez, the Vice President’s chief of staff, to VMMC.

Lopez, then under a contempt citation, was instead taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center after Duterte’s intervention.

On Saturday, the House allowed Lopez to leave VMMC.

One of Duterte’s security officials, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, was also accused of assaulting a PNP doctor.

“If we do not file cases against those accused, what will people say? Takot ang pulis, pang-mahirap lang ang pangil ng batas (That policemen are afraid, that the law only applies to the poor?) We cannot allow such perceptions to take root. Our duty is to apply the law to everyone, regardless of their standing, because justice is not selective,” Marbil said.