The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Graft Division on Wednesday told Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto to explain his side for possible violation of the new Bayanihan Act.
This was confirmed by NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin, who said it was regarding the law's provision on the implementation of curfews to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Sotto responded in a Twitter post, saying: “They're asking for an explanation on the alleged violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (e.g. continuous tricycle operation). Do they know the law was enacted last March 24?”
Lavin confirmed that the bureau's anti-graft division sent the mayor a letter inviting him to appear at the NBI's main office in Manila on April 7.
"For LGU officials for disobeying national government policies or directives in imposing quarantines under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act," Lavin said of Sotto's alleged violation.
It has been three weeks since President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon under the enhanced community quarantine, and one week since he signed into law the Bayanihan Act, which gives him additional powers to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.