DILG: Sinas not yet off the hook

Despite getting a reprieve from President Duterte, Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas is not yet off the hook over the “mañanita” controversy, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.

DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Sinas would still face criminal charges for supposedly breaching quarantine protocols during his birthday gathering.

“Tuloy ang kaso because what the President mentioned is that he would not sack Sinas. But the criminal charges filed against him would proceed,” Malaya said in an interview with “The Chiefs” on One News TV 5.

“As far as the DILG is concerned, we made clear our position that it’s a big no-no for public officials to hold a gathering while the country is facing a national health emergency,” Malaya added.

Duterte’s decision to retain Sinas in his post drew outrage from the public.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the criminal cases against Sinas would proceed even if the President retained him as director of the National Capital Region Police Office.

“I think what the President said was clear: Sinas would remain in his post for now,” Roque told reporters. “If the prosecutor finds probable cause and decides to file the complaint before the court, then Sinas has to defend himself.”

Sinas and 18 other police officers have been charged for holding a mass gathering, which is banned under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.