Recto balks at PNP ban on PDA: Don't declare ‘war on love’

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday rejected the Philippine National Police's (PNP) appeal against displaying "physical, social and romantic relationships" in public, citing health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Recto said that it seems the PNP declared a "war on love," and not on COVID-19.

"If all acts of public display of affection are prohibited—harmless kisses, holding hands, hugs—then the rules border on the absurd," he said.

"Will the ban include the 'Mano po!' of kids to their grandparents, as it falls under the standard definition of affectionate acts? Or how about the wife at the back of a bike holding her husband tight for dear life, will her hug be prohibited, too?" he added.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said that amid the rising cases of COVID-19, the public "should maintain being cautious from the spread of the virus."

"The virus may be right before them. Infection happens to families, it can happen to anyone, anywhere," he said.

"And if you love your spouse, your children, you have to be conscious of the minimum health and safety protocols," he added.

Still, Recto questioned the PNP's reasoning of "for health reasons" in issuing its appeal.

"So a couple who shares a bed at night cannot kiss each other goodbye on the street when they go their separate ways to work and should just text each other kiss emojis?" he asked.

"Ang bait naman ni COVID that it doesn’t harm couples making out in private. This is a scientific eureka moment worthy of a Nobel Prize," he added.

Recto urged the police to be more mindful in the way they communicate policies in addressing the pandemic.

"Words can move—and frighten—a nation. When you wield a loud microphone, don’t treat it like a police whistle you can blow anytime," he said.—LDF, GMA News