The Philippine National Police (PNP) appears to have change its tune with regards to the case of Jose Antonio Sanvicente, the driver of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) involved in the viral hit-and-run incident in Mandaluyong City last June 5.
In an interview with dzBB on Thursday, PNP spokesperson P/Col Jean Fajardo conceded they cannot take Sanvicente into custody because of lack of legal basis.
“To inform the public, the PNP has no legal grounds to take into custody itong suspect considering na wala pa namang warrant of arrest na na-issue sa kanya,” explained Fajardo; adding that there’s already a considerable lapse of time since the incident happened.
Sanvicente, a 34-year-old resident of Quezon City, showed up at Camp Crame on Wednesday accompanied by his parents and his lawyer. The white Toyota RAV4 van with plate No. NCO 3781 was turned over to the PNP Highway Patrol Group pending investigation.
He also apologized to the victim, security guard Christian Joseph Floralde, during the press conference where he was presented to the media.
“My apologies for what happened. My apologies to Mr. Floralde and his family,” he said.
Earlier, PNP officer-in-charge Gen. Vicente Danao warned Sanvicente of ‘dire consequences’ if the latter continue hiding and not submit himself for questioning.
“You take note, kapag lumabas warrant mo, hintayin mo lumabas warrant mo. I’m giving you a fair warning habang maaga,” Danao said.
Sanvicente is facing charges in connection with the incident filed before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office last June 6.
However, Fajardo also clarified it will be beyond PNP’s control if Floralde eventually agreed to an out-of-court settlement with Sanvicente.
Meanwhile, netizens were outraged by the supposed ‘special treatment’ Sanvicente received from the PNP when the latter even arranged a press conference for the suspect inside Camp Crame.
Dismayed social media users said this is proof that privileged people were given special considerations compared to the poor ones who were, in many instances, not even given the chance to answer allegations against them.
As for Floralde, the guard maintained he will pursue the charges against Sanvicente despite the apology.
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