Salceda urges PNP to make public apology to Hontiveros

House Committee on Appropriation Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda urged Thursday the Philippine National Police to make a public apology for the arrest of Partylist Rep. Risa Hontiveros while attending a women’s rally on Wedensday. Salceda said there is a strong sentiment in the House that anti-riot policemen used excessive force when they carried the lady lawmaker to the mobile car. National Capitol Regional Police Command (NCRPO) Chief Sr. Supt Vidal Quirol said Honteveros was not arrested but was placed in a safe place because the policemen were ready to disperse the demonstrators. Salceda said, Quirol’s explanation was unacceptable to many of his colleagues, who plan to slap the PNP a P1 budget. The PNP proposes P35.6 billion allocation for 2006. Director General Arturo Lomibao, PNP chief, failed to attend the budget deliberation Thursday. -GMANews.TV