Makati Med Director Urged To File A Case Against Koko Pimentel For Violating RA 11332

The Makati Medical Center (MMC) medical director Saturnino Javier and the hospital did not say whether or not they will be filing charges against Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III for breaching the strict infection and containment protocols when he brought his pregnant wife to the delivery room complex even when he was supposed to be under quarantine.

But for the University of the Philippines law professor John Molo, Senator Pimentel can face a litany of charges and penalties for violating the Republic Act No. 11332.

Among the possible penalties are suspension or expulsion from the Senate for unparliamentary behavior and disbarment.

Director Javier told CNN Philippines’ News Night that Senator Pimentel violated his home quarantine, exposed health workers to possible infection, “and therefore, to me, that is reckless and unacceptable.”

Mr. Molo said Senator Pimentel may also be fined up to ₱50,000 or face a jail term of one to six months for failing to disclose that he is suspected of having COVID-19.

For violating the enhanced community quarantine, Mr. Molo said Senator Pimentel can be fined between ₱10,000 and ₱50,000 or jailed for up to a year.

Mr. Molo added that Senator Pimentel could also be sued for criminal negligence, disobedience to agents of a person in authority, graft, and corruption and for damages.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they “will temper the rigor of the law with human compassion” as people are prone to commit violations “during abnormal times like these.”

“But this is not to say that the DOJ (Department of Justice) will not act upon the filing of a proper complaint by any interested party,” Secretary Guevarra said.

He added that they will determine if the National Bureau of Investigation should probe the incident.

In addition, netizens on social media urged the MMC to file a case against Senator Pimentel for putting the health of doctors and other patients at risk when he knew the whole time that he had symptoms and was awaiting results.

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