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Senate President Tito Sotto reminds how the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act must be interpreted after the NBI summoned his nephew, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for allegedly violating the said law.

Senate President Tito Sotto reminds how the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act must be interpreted after the NBI summoned his nephew, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for allegedly violating the said law.

Senator Tito was among the personalities who took to Twitter their defense and support for Mayor Vico after the latter received a subpoena from the NBI to explain himself for violating the mentioned COVID-19 response act.

The actor-turned-politician wrote, “What are they talking about? Laws are never retroactive if detrimental to any accused.”

What are they talking about? Laws are never retroactive if detrimental to any accused. https://t.co/QIT6uEji79

-- Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 1, 2020

He also claimed to clarify with NBI that the law cannot take effect from an earlier date than its legislation.

He said, “NBI will be well advised to be cautious in their interpretation of the law I principally authored. Any so-called violation of RA 11469 can't be retroactive!”

NBI will be well advised to be cautious in their interpretation of the law I principally authored. Any so called violation of RA 11469 can't be retroactive!

-- Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 1, 2020

In another tweet he posted today, Senator Tito mentioned that local officials who have not committed any violation remain under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and not the Department of Justice (DOJ).

If a local official has not violated any law, the DILG is the Dept that has jurisdiction over him. Not the DOJ! #&%@₱!?!

-- Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) April 2, 2020

On April 1, NBI Deputy Director and Spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin confirmed that the NBI has summoned Mayor Vico to their office.

The Pasig City mayor has posted his defense on Twitter as well as thanked his supporters who rallied for his protection. Mayor Vico has also assured his supporters that he will continue being of service to his constituents.

Thank you all for your overwhelming support. Ngunit wag na po sanang gamitin ang isyu na 'to para sa politika.

(Pati naman mga opisyales ng nasyonal sinasabing mali ang nbi.)

Panahon po ngayon ng KRISIS. Mula brgy hanggang nasyonal, kailangan maganda ang pakikipag-ugnayan.

-- Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) April 2, 2020

Acc to NBI Deputy Dir. Lavin, the issue has been "politicized & sensationalized."

I agree. But with all due respect sir, pls stop and think why it reached this point:

Side niyo ang nag-leak ng kopya ng sulat sa reporter. Nagpa-receive tao niyo sa opis ko, may kasama pang media.

-- Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) April 2, 2020

Meanwhile, NBI also announced that it has invited Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to its office for possible violation of quarantine protocols.

JUST IN: NBI Director Eric Distor says Sen. Koko Pimentel will also be invited by NBI to explain possible violation of quarantine protocols. | via @mavgonzales pic.twitter.com/Gv3lQK6oNO

-- GMA News (@gmanews) April 1, 2020

Janine Gutierrez, Angel Locsin, other celebrities defend Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto

READ: PH celebrities plead to government to give more aid to Filipinos