Senator Aquilino Pimentel III is also under investigation for alleged violation of the “Bayanihan  To Heal as One Act” ,  a recently enacted law in response to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.

Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin, NBI spokesperson, made the remark after the NBI was reported to have asked Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to  explain his alleged violation of the “Bayanihan To Heal as One Act.”

“I understand Senator Pimentel is also being investigated,” Lavin said.

“I am not only sure when is his appearance considering that he is still under quarantine,” Lavin said.

NBI Director Eric Distor confirmed Pimentel will also be invited to explain.

“Explain lang po no case yet,” Distor said.

He said the NBI has also invited a number of barangay chairpersons to explain.

Three other local government officials from Quezon City, Cebu and Bacolod will also receive the same letter to explain themselves before the NBI.

The NBI Anti-Graft Division also said they already sent a letter to Barangay Chairman Emiliano Ramos of Barangay Talon Uno in Las Piñas City.

Pimentel last week drew criticisms after he went to the Makati Medical Center to accompany his pregnant wife who was scheduled to give birth.

Pimentel had submitted samples for COVID-19 testing and was informed that he was positive for the disease while he was already at the hospital.

MMC denounced his action as “reckless” and “irresponsible.”

Sotto, before the enactment of the law, initially allowed tricycles in Pasig City to bring health workers to the hospitals.

He eventually decided to comply with the national directives on a ban on public transportation including tricycles. /Stacy Ang