MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Jinggoy Estrada was arrested yesterday in San Juan for allegedly violating quarantine protocols after he distributed relief goods to city residents without proper coordination and permission from the local government.
This was confirmed by Mayor Francis Zamora who said that while he had no quarrel with anyone who wanted to conduct relief operations, the national government has strict directives to local governments on mass gatherings.
In a video taken by one of Estrada’s staff, at least 100 residents of Barangay Salapan were seen violating social distancing measures as they lined up for bangus or milk fish and other goods.
While Estrada was handing out the fish, police arrived and invited him to the San Juan police station.
City police chief Col. Jaime Santos explained to the former senator that he was arrested for violating social distancing measures.
“We have reports and photos as well that guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) were violated,” Santos said.
Zamora said Estrada has been going around the barangays for weeks distributing relief goods without a permit from the city government.
“Under ECQ rules, individuals are required to seek permits from the city government,” Zamora said in a television interview. “If he really wanted to help the residents, the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) requires any individual or organization to get certification to ensure compliance with quarantine measures.”
Estrada and Zamora have been locked in a conflict over the former senator’s supposed defiance of quarantine protocols.
Estrada alleged that Zamora was singling him out to secure his bid for reelection in 2022.
“I think I was arrested because of politics. The mayor has been instructing barangay captains not to entertain me or give me support when I go to the villages,” Estrada said in an interview on CNN Philippines.
He said he was wearing personal protective equipment, a face mask and a face shield.
Zamora said that had Estrada sought permission from the city government, there would not have been any problems.
“In fact, his daughter applied for permit for her pharmacy on April 29, and in a day, we released the certification for her free medicine store. So there’s no reason for us not to approve because that’s assistance for the people,” Zamora said.
Estrada’s daughter, Janella, lost to Zamora in last year’s elections.
The Eastern Police District said Estrada was released last night.
He was neither detained nor charged, police said.
Estrada’s father, former Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, condemned his arrest.
“He was merely helping the people of San Juan and he was arrested,” the elder Estrada said. “Politicking should stop during a national crisis.” – With Jose Rodel Clapano