DOJ pushes back Pimentel probe on 'quarantine breach' to June 18

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reset the preliminary investigation on Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III's alleged violation of quarantine protocols to June 18.

"Tentatively Reset to June 18," Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento told GMA News Online in a private message.

The DOJ initially set the preliminary investigation for May 20

The complainant, lawyer Rico Quicho has said he has received an order from the DOJ to file a hard copy of the complaint and to swear under oath within five days from the lifting of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Quicho filed the complaint against Pimentel for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 11332 and regulations from the Department of Health.

The senator drew criticism last month after he accompanied his wife to a hospital despite supposedly being under quarantine for a then-suspected COVID-19 infection. He found out he tested positive for the virus while at the hospital.

The Makati Medical Center condemned Pimentel's "irresponsible and reckless action."

The senator said he learned his COVID-19 test result came back positive when he was already in the hospital and claimed he left immediately. He has since apologized.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier promised a fair investigation. -MDM, GMA News