By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Monday asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson for possible inciting to sedition charges after urging students to join a “revolution against corruption.”
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants accountability from those who may have incited violence during Sunday’s rallies.
“Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay managot ang lahat na maaaring managot at lahat na maaaring sangkot sa marahas na nangyari (The President wants everyone who may be responsible and everyone who may have been involved in the violent incidents to be held accountable),” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
Singson allegedly encouraged minors to skip classes to join the protests, Castro said.
“At si Mr. Chavit Singson pa ang nagsabi na hayaan ng mga magulang ng mga batang ito na tumayo para sa isang rebolusyon para sa korupsyon (Mr. Chavit Singson even said that parents should allow their children to rise for a revolution against corruption),” she added.
Castro said it is up to the DOJ and law enforcement agencies to determine if Singson’s remarks fall under inciting to sedition, which is punishable by up to six years under the Revised Penal Code.
“Tayo na po ang makiki-usap sa pamunuan, especially kay [Interior] Secretary Jonvic Remulla, kay acting PNP chief General (Jose Melencio) Nartatez Jr. and, of course, DOJ, na busisiin mismo ang mga sinabi ni Mr. Chavit Singson (We appeal to Secretary Remulla, acting PNP Chief Nartatez and, of course, the DOJ to examine Mr. Singson’s words closely),” she said. (PNA)
