SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – #ProtectVico topped the Twitter trending topic worldwide on Wednesday, April 1, shortly after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced it will summon Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto for his supposed violation of a new law granting President Rodrigo Duterte special powers to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The NBI is singling out the young mayor for supposedly “disobeying national government policies” related to the Luzon-wide lockdown imposed by Duterte on March 17. (READ: Sotto urges national gov’t to allow tricycles during coronavirus lockdown)
Celebrities and political figures came out in support of the neophyte mayor.
Personalities for Vico – Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom
Twitter users also questioned the legality of the decision, echoing Sotto’s response that the law was not yet enacted when he appealed to Malacañang if he could allow tricycles to operate in Pasig City.
In a tweet, Pasig Mayor @VicoSotto responds to the NBI regarding his supposed violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which mandates LGU officials to comply with national guidelines. #COVID19PH
STORY: https://t.co/EUBP3Lgaw2 pic.twitter.com/gjLf754UxP
Experts say the law cannot be applied retroactively.
Laws are not meant to be applied retroactively. The Consti itself states that no ex post facto law shall be passed. Vico’s alleged violation occured BEFORE the Bayanihan Act, which took effect on Mar. 25, 2020.
So can someone explain to me how he violated the said Act?
Any first year law student knows that criminal laws cannot be applied retroactively as the Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws or laws that criminalize an act committed before its passage. #ProtectVico #ProtectVicoSotto #protectvicoatallcost #ProtectVicoSottoAtAllCosts
Netizens compared Sotto’s case to that of pro-administration Senator Koko Pimentel, who broke coronavirus quarantine protocols and exposed other people to risks but who was given due consideration by the government. (READ: Makati Med denounces Pimentel’s ‘irresponsible, reckless’ protocol breach)
Koko and Vico – Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom
Less than two weeks ago, #ProtectVico also trended after the administration ordered local government units to stand down and follow national directives on the Luzon lockdown.
Here are more tweets about this:
#ProtectVico – Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom
What are your thoughts on NBI’s move? Let us know in the comments section! – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.