DOJ resets preliminary investigation of Koko’s quarantine breach

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has given Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III a few more weeks before it will hear the preliminary investigation on the complaint filed against him for allegedly breaking quarantine protocols.

DOJ Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said the preliminary investigation was moved tentatively to June 18 due to quarantine protocols in Metro Manila, which is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

The preliminary investigation is supposedly to be held on May 20.

Malcontento emphasized that the DOJ will still determine whether the preliminary investigation will push through next month, depending on the quarantine protocol in the metropolis.

Former University of Makati law dean Rico Quicho filed on April 6 a complaint against Pimentel for violating Republic Act 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Disease and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Quicho’s complaint against Pimentel stemmed from the senator’s apparent failure to disclose his condition when he accompanied his wife, Kathryna, to the Makati Medical Center despite being positive for coronavirus disease 2019.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the DOJ will resolve the complaint against Pimentel “based solely on the evidence presented by the parties and nothing else.”