Anti-tambay drive not targeting homeless, Palace says

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown on loiterers is not targetting homeless people but those who violate local ordinances and the law, Malacañang reiterated Thursday, June 28.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte merely wants to get rid of loitering individuals who may endanger the public.

"We are not criminalizing vagrancy," the Palace official said. Vagrancy was decriminalized through Republic Act 10158, which was enacted in March 2012.

"We are implementing the laws and ordinances and it is a form of higher police visibility intended to act as a deterrent towards the commission of crimes," he added.

Duterte was heavily criticized for ordering on June 13 the Philippine National Police (PNP) to clear the streets of loiterers, especially potential troublemakers.

Duterte, however, clarified in his recent speeches that his order was to "accost" and "not arrest" idlers.

Upon Duterte's directive, the PNP has arrested over 11,000 people in Metro Manila.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said 96 have so far been charged for violating curfew ordinances and city ordinances that prohibit drinking and smoking in public places, and being half-naked in the streets.

Albayalde has insisted that the police arrest only those who violate city ordinances.

On June 26, Duterte also ordered the police to round up idling minors and bring them to a "safe place" for their own "safety" and protection."

Duterte's anti-loitering campaign has prompted opposition lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives to file a resolution calling for an investigation into its implementation.

Roque reiterated that the executive department welcomes any inquiry that may be conducted by senators and congressmen.

The Palace official also said critics could challenge Duterte's policy against loiterers before a competent court.

"We welcome the congressional investigation and we welcome also challenges before the Supreme Court. The President has said so," he said.

"Well, sabi nga ni Presidente kung tingin niyo illegal ‘yan, kwestyunin niyo na ako sa hukuman," he added.

(Well, just like the President said, if you think it is illegal, question it before the court.) (SunStar Philippines)