By Phoebe Salvador
Eagle News Service
(Eagle News) — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rename its ‘anti-tambay’ operation to ‘anti-pasaway’ to address concerns that it would target bystanders on the street who were not violating the law.
At the Balitaan sa Maynila media forum on Sunday, June 24, the senator said the ‘anti-tambay’ campaign was “very confusing” and that the PNP should clarify its intentions.
“Hindi naman ho pwede na porke’t nakatayo ka lang sa kalye ay huhulihin ka na at dadalhin sa presinto,” he pointed out.
“Ang dapat hulihin dito ay ‘yung mga pasaway na umiinom, nagsusugal sa kalsada,” he said.
Because there were concerns that the ‘anti-pasaway’ campaign would push congested local jails even further past their capacity, Gatchalian said it would be best to impose alternative penalties that would not require jail time, the senator said.
Penalties imposed for minor crimes were usually just warnings, fines, or community service activities such as street cleaning.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian also urged local government officials, particularly the newly-elected barangay officers, to take action against unruly behavior in their communities.
He challenged them to perform their mandate by passing and implementing local ordinances against public drunkenness, street gambling, and other activities that endanger public safety and welfare.
“Wag na ho nilang antayin ang ating Pangulo na sabihin kung ano ang dapat nilang gawin dahil nasa kapangyarihan na nila na gumawa ng mga ordinansa para sa kaayusan ng kanilang barangay,” he said.