Pangilinan tells cops: Loitering no longer a criminal offense

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Monday reminded law enforcers that loitering is no longer a crime amid the intensified anti-loitering campaign of the Philippine National Police. 

Pangilinan cited Republic Act 10158 or the act decriminalizing vagrancy except for prostitutes. The measure, signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2012, amended Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code, which classified vagrancy as a criminal offense.

The decriminalization of vagrancy was hailed by rights groups, saying the vagrancy law has been exploited by authorities to oppress the poor and the homeless.

Pangilinan called on law enforcers to study the law and implement it accordingly as he stressed the increase in the salaries of uniformed personnel.

“Kayo ang dapat manguna sa pagsunod ng batas at hindi pasimuno sa paglabag nito. Sumunod sa batas at hindi sa utos na lumabag dito,” he said.

Pangilinan’s statement comes on the heels of Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde’s vow to strictly enforce ordinances against loiterers or tambays in a bid to lessen criminality.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the PNP to round up tambays, saying they were potential troublemakers.

READ: Cops target ‘istambays’