Within property lines

Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio seems to have answered my question. Police must have an arrest or search warrant before they can enter your home. He added that condominium common areas, driveways, and any area within the property line are considered part of your home. There must be no outright violation of one's domicile. This was his statement after a series of incidents where police called the attention of supposed ECQ violators despite being inside their home. I don't know how much stock this administration will put into Carpio's statements. After all, he isn't exactly their favorite.

But this was also the statement of presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is also a lawyer, after the incident at Pacific Place Towers in Taguig a few weeks ago. This was followed by an incident in Dasmariñas Village, Makati, between a police officer and a foreign resident. In the cellphone video, Javier Salvador Parra can be seen hurling invectives at Roland Madrona for calling the attention of his household helper who was not wearing a mask while watering plants. Parra could be seen standing in the driveway while Madrona was in the street. Madrona then tried to arrest him for disrespecting a person of authority and unjust vexation. Parra was able to run into the house when Madrona relaxed his hold.

Parra is now facing several charges. The Bureau of Immigration is also investigating whether or not he should be deported as an undesirable alien. Madrona's actions were also defended by DILG Sec. Año stating a warrantless arrest can be made after a crime has been committed, which in this case the constant swearing at Madrona as well as the violation of the ECQ. Parra was not also wearing a mask the whole time.

Parra obviously escalated the situation. He said things that were uncalled for. Madrona merely cited the household helper who was to be fined a thousand pesos. Now Parra is facing several cases and may even be deported. But still, the question is if the housekeeper was technically inside the property line based on Justice Carpio's explanation, would that still be considered a violation of the ECQ? As a comparison, an obvious mass gathering occurred in Batangas which to my knowledge is still under the ECQ. Were there armed police officers shouting at residents to go home? No. It so happens the gathering was sponsored by the OWWA. I guess it all depends on who is conducting the mass gathering. While defending the person who visited the quarantined OFWs, the agency said they will look into the matter. I'm not holding my breath.