Palace distances itself from Jinggoy Estada’s alleged quarantine violation; reiterates call to avoid politicking

May 4, 2020

Malacañang distanced itself on Monday on the alleged violation of former Senator Jinggoy Estrada of the enhanced community quarantine being enforced in San Juan City.

In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it would be up to the local authorities to enforce the ECQ in San Juan amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

"According to the to the PNP (Philippine National Police), former Senator Estrada was given a stern warning - we leave it at that," he said.

However, Roque urged those who want to donate to coordinate with the local government units concerned to ensure that proper safeguards are being followed, such as observance of social distancing.

Estrada was invited to the police station on Sunday when he was distributing relief goods to the residents of the city for alleged violation of the community quarantine measures.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said that Estrada failed to secure permit from the local government when he distributed the relief aid.

He noted that under the regulations of the Department of Interior and Local Government, any group or organization seeking to undertake relief operations should coordinate with the local government to help in monitoring and controlling the crowd and maintaining social distancing and peace and order.

Asked on observation that what happened in San Juan was an issue of politics, Roque said, "the call of the President (Rodrigo Duterte) to public is to set aside politics while there is COVID-19 crisis."

During the local elections last year, Zamora defeated Janella Ejercito Estrada, Jinggoy's daughter, in the mayoral race. Celerina Monte/DMS