A lawyer announced that they’re preparing to file charges against Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III over his infamous Makati Medical Center visit on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, Atty. Rico Quicho of Quicho & Angeles Law told Pimentel that they’re already studying the possible complaint that could be filed against the Senator.
Quicho also asked other people to help them especially law students and lawyers.
According to him, it’s unfortunate if people would only let Pimentel escape his responsibility for the Makati med incident.
“Koko inaaral na namin at magfifile kami ng Complaint. Sa lahat ng gustong sumali, tulungan tayo. Hanep naman kung papalagpasin natin ito. Law students and lawyers unite,” Quicho said.
“Protect natin mga medical practitioners sa mga ganitong tao,” he added.
The post already reached 3,600 shares on social media as of writing.
The Department of Justice told the reporters yesterday that they’re not going to investigate Pimentel’s recent action without any complaint being filed against the senator.
“During abnormal times like this, when people are prone to commit mistakes or violations of the law, the DOJ will temper the rigor of the law with human compassion. But this is not to say that the DOJ will not act upon the filing of a proper complaint by any interested party,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said.
It was reported yesterday that Pimentel went to Makati Med to accompany his wife who’s planning to undergo to give birth via caesarian section.
However, Pimentel found that he was positive from CoViD-19 while he was inside the hospital and only left the building after some advice from the doctors.
Following the incident, Makati Med denounced Pimentel’s action, calling it a breach of strict infection and containment protocols of their hospital.
“We denounce the irresponsible and reckless action of the senator. He added to the burden of a hospital trying to respond in its most competent and aggressive manner to cope with the daunting challenges of this CoViD-19 outbreak,” Makati Med statement read.
Meanwhile, blogger RJ ‘Thinking Pinoy’ Nieto listed some of the possible laws violated by Pimentel.
1. Non-disclosure of his status as PUI/COVID-19 Positive patient – Section 9(e) of RA 11332.
2. Violation of Enhanced Community Quarantine regulations – Section 8(a) of RA 9271.
3. Criminal Negligence – Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code.
4. Disobedience to Agents of a Person in Authority – Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code
5. Graft and Corruption – Section 3(e) RA 3019
6. Suspension or Expulsion as Member of the Senate for Unparliamentary Behavior
7. Disbarment or Suspension of Membership with the Philippine Bar – Code of Professional Responsibility
8. 8. Accountability and Obligation to Uphold Public Interest as Public Office
9. Civil Liability for Torts & Quasi-Delicts
10. Murder under Art 248 (4) of the Revised Penal Code
Pimentel’s camp is not yet releasing a statement over the announcement of Atty. Quicho.