DILG to probe events attended by Roque, Pacquiao
A FACT-FINDING investigation will be launched on violations of quarantine protocols during recent events attended by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said Sunday, November 29, 2020.
"We will make sure na magkaroon ng fact-finding diyan at kung merong dapat managot ay titignan namin (We will make sure that a fact-finding investigation will be conducted to determine culpability),” Año said in a television i nt er vi ew.
Roque spoke before a large crowd during the opening of the Bantayan Island Airport and Suroy Suroy Sugbo on Bantayan Island in Cebu on Friday, November 27.
Photos that circulated online showed that the crowd did not observe physical distancing. Some people did not wear face masks.
Roque said he was merely invited to the event, which was organized by the Cebu Provincial Government. But he is open to any investigation, he added.
“The activity where I was seen speaking before a crowd was organized by the local government, which I had no control as a guest,” Roque said.
“I was later informed, that the local official/s mentioned in interview/ s that they did not expect the huge turnout of people as well,” he added.
He said he reminded the people not to remove their masks as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) .
Meanwhile, a photo uploaded by Pacquiao’s wife Jinky on Instagram showed a large crowd listening to the senator deliver a speech in Bat an gas.
In a statement issued by Pacquiao’s special assistant Jake Joson, the senator’s camp also welcomed any investigation on the matter. They noted that all those who attended the event were wearing face masks and face shields.
"We welcome any investigation related to claims that quarantine protocols were violated when we went to Batangas to distribute relief and early Christmas gifts for the people who have suffered