MANILA, Philippines — There is no need to investigate chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo who was caught on video singing in a Makati restaurant recently, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said yesterday.
Año said Panelo observed health protocols during the event.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said karaoke sessions are prohibited to limit the transmission of the virus.
“There is no need for an investigation. This is an isolated incident and Secretary Panelo has explained the matter,” Año said.
Año defended Panelo, adding that “it was not a usual karaoke event.”
A video of Panelo singing in a restaurant went viral on social media.
Panelo said safety measures such as social distancing and wearing of face masks and shields were implemented.
“There was social distancing of one meter and I was wearing a face shield. I was requested to sing by the guests coursed through the owner. The guests came to my table and thanked me,” he said.
Panelo said he recently tested negative for COVID-19.
Roque, Pacquiao off the hook
Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Harry Roque and Sen. Manny Pacquiao are apparently off the hook for supposedly breaking quarantine protocols.
Año said the report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) found that there were violations during the events attended by Roque and Pacquiao last month, but the two officials were not responsible for these.
“Lumalabas dun sa report ni PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas na bagamat nagkaroon ng violation on physical distancing, it was not caused by the two personalities,” Año told reporters.
He said no one could be held accountable over the gatherings.
“Wala tayong makitang accountability dun kasi the local governments enforced health protocols pero dumagsa ang mga tao,” Año said.