The investigation regarding the controversial mass gathering in Cebu participated by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Manny Pacquiao’s own mass gathering in Batangas has been concluded, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas said Tuesday.
Sinas, who himself was criticized for attending a surpise birthday party organized for him thaf allegedly violated quarantine protocols, did not reveal the results of the investigation and said that the PNP will submit their recommendation to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año within the week.
“We have finalized our report, we finalized our investigation but I’ll just submit it to the SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) and abide on his wisdom on our recommendations, but I will not discuss it openly, ayaw ko naman pangunahan si SILG,” Sinas said.
Roque delivered a speech at the opening of the Bantayan Island Airport on November 27 drawing a huge crowd that did not observe physical distancing. However, the spokesperson said that he did not expect the large number of people present in the event. He also mentioned that he repeatedly mentioned to the audience to strictly observe health protocols to prevent the possible transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Meanwhile, Senator Manny Pacquiao was also investigated after attending an event in Batangas.
Screenshots of Instagram stories of Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, went viral,showing the boxer-turned-senator speaking in Batangas to a crowd that seemingly violated government protocols against mass gatherings and not observing social distancing protocols.
Both Roque and Pacquiao said they welcomed the investigations. RJ Espartinez