(Eagle News)–Senator Kiko Pangilinan on Monday, June 18, said loitering was no longer a crime.
Pangilinan made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the police to intensify operations against “tambays” on the streets.
“Para po sa mga tagapagpatupad ng batas, hindi na po krimen ang tumambay, o mag-loiter. Republic Act 10158 has decriminalized vagrancy, amending Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code,” Pangilinan said.
He was apparently referring to the Act Decriminalizing Vagrancy.
“Kayo ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, alamin ito at ipatupad nang tama. Kayo ang dapat manguna sa pagsunod ng batas at hindi pasimuno sa paglabag dito,” Pangilinan said, addressing the policemen.
He noted that “doble na sweldo ng mga pulis, sundalo, at lahat ng uniformed personnel ng pamahalaan.”
“Sumunod sa batas at hindi sa utos na lumabag dito..,” he said.
“Gampanan n’yo naman ang inyong tungkulin sa taumbayang pinagmumulan ng inyong kabuhayan at kapangyarihan,” he added.