Solon reminds colleagues: ‘We are not high, mighty’

A lawmaker on Monday reminded his colleagues at the House of Representatives that none of them is above the law in light of a physical attack on a police officer involving Iloilo Representative Richard Garin Jr. last month.

In a privilege speech, Pangasinan Representative Leopoldo Bataoil condemned Garin and his father Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin's attack on PO3 Federico Macaya of Guimbal Police Station in Iloilo.

"My heart bleeds for PO3 Macaya and many other who, like him, are all but nameless men and women in uniform quietly serving, and even dying, albeit some of them being subjected as well to assault, disrespect and abuse by persons in high elective office—the so-called mighty and powerful," he said.

Bataoil also expressed support for the filing of criminal charges against the Garins, but also acknowledged that they have already publicly apologized for their act and cooperated with the authorities on the matter.

"My intention is merely to remind us all that we are not high and mighty. What we have is merely an illusion of power," Bataoil pointed out to his fellow lawmakers.

"We are all subject to the law. We are subject as well to the renewal of our mandate to serve through the ballot. But our actions must be guided by both the letter of the law, and the wishes and aspirations of our constituents. One cannot take the place of the other, nor can one hold ascendant over the other," he added.

As a result of the mauling incident, Philippine National Police Regional Office 6 direct Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao cancelled the security detail for Representative Garin and relieved Guimbal police chief Senior Inspector Antonio Monreal "for his non-action and his failure to arrest the Garins."

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde likewise cancelled the licenses of the Garin father and son to own and possess firearms.

Seven criminal and four administrative charges have also been filed against the Garins.

The criminal charges include direct assault, grave coercion, grave threat, physical injuries, slander by deeds, serious illegal detention, and alarm and scandal.

Meanwhile, the administrative charges included grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a public official, oppression and  abuse of power, and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the interest of the public. — BM, GMA News