Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde said that they can arrest critics of the Duterte administration if they will violate any laws.
“If there is an order from the president and we see a violation of the law, why not?” Albayalde said Monday.
President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to jail those who will file impeachment cases against him over his stand on the West Philippine Sea and China.
“Impeach ako? Kulungin ko sila lahat. Subukan niyo (Impeach me? I’ll put you all in jail. Just try it),” Duterte said.
Albayalde clarified that they will still study the specifics or cases to be filed to those who will pursue an impeachment against the President.
“Depende on what we may see, because the impeachment is not covered by the law… either sedition or libel,” he added.
Some lawmakers slam the PNP’s statement.
“May I remind the PNP Chief that impeachment is a constitutional and democratic process that any Filipino citizen can avail of to exact accountability from impeachable public officials,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said.
She added that the message of the PNP Chief sends a chilling effect to those who are practicing their democratic rights.
“They create a chilling effect, and send the message to those who would want to avail of the impeachment process to hold the President accountable that they will be subjected to police investigations and the possible filing of charges,” she added.
