Jonvic Remulla personally visits, apologizes to arrested shirtless worker

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday personally visited the construction worker who was earlier apprehended for being shirtless in Mandaluyong City.

During his visit to Jhony Lanquino in Barangay Addition Hills, Remulla admitted fault for the unclear policy implementation and issued an apology.

The couple accepted the secretary’s apology.

“Kasalanan ko kasi ‘yan kasi hindi ko naklaro sa kanila kung ano talaga patakaran. Siyempre, alam ko maraming nagtatrabaho dito, mainit, magtatanggal ka talaga ng t-shirt,” Remulla said.

(That’s my fault because I didn’t make it clear to them what the rules really are. Of course, I know there are a lot of people working here, it’s hot, you’ll definitely take off your t-shirt.)

“Siyempre, ganado mga bata natin. Sabi ko, easy muna. Dala 'yan ng mga pulis na gusto talagang i-push ‘yung patakaran namin. Dito, lalo na lugar ninyo, maraming nagkakasakitan dito. Para naman sa lahat yan,” he added.

(Of course, our personnel were in the mood. I said, take it easy. The police really want to push our ordinances. Especially here in your area, many people are getting hurt. The policy is for the benefit of everyone.)

On April 6, Remulla announced stricter implementation of the ban on alcohol, gambling, and going shirtless in public areas, as well as other measures under the Safer Cities Initiative.

The worker’s wife said they were not against the policy but pointed out that authorities should have issued a warning first.

“Hindi naman kami against doon. Nag-react lang ako kasi dapat warning muna. Ticket kasi agad. Doon sa Barangay Bagong Silang, sinisita nila 'yan. Pwede ka magbihis muna,” Lanquino’s wife said.

(We're not against that. I just reacted because there should have been a warning first. He was given a ticket right away. In Barangay Bagong Silang, violators were just warned. You can get dressed.)

Remulla returned the P500 fine paid by Lanquino.

The DILG chief also extended financial assistance to help the family complete the cement flooring and tiling work in their home. —AOL, GMA News