Charles Teves
Jeepney drivers “Lolo” Elmer Cordero, along with fellow transport group Piston (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide) member Wilson Ramilla were finally released on bail in the evening of June 9.
It was reported that Cordero had an Estafa case while Ramilla was previously jailed for carnapping which led to the delay of their release. Six Piston drivers were arrested on June 2 for allegedly flouting social distancing protocols, violating Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code during a protest against the jeepney ban that was imposed by the Department of Transportation.
Four of the drivers posted a P3,000 bail and were released on Monday. Cordero was finally released on Tuesday at the Caloocan Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 51 and people were just happy for him.
Jodi Sta. Maria was glad he got out of jail.
“Lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa lahat ng tumulong at tumuring sa amin bilang kapamilya.” ani Elmer Cordero.
“Sa edad na 72, kinakailangan ko pong maghanapbuhay para may maipakain sa aking mga mahal sa buhay.”
Hindi ka nag-iisa Tatay Elmer. Hindi kayo nag-iisa ❤️🌈 https://t.co/g8nVUo1lnq
— Jodi Sta.Maria (@JodiStaMaria) June 9, 2020
Bianca Gonzalez felt the same.
Malaya na si Lolo Elmer 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 https://t.co/oFBTIHhDfF
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) June 9, 2020
Lolo Elmer finally has a discharge order after a week of being detained.
— Ria Atayde (@RiaAtayde) June 9, 2020
Cordero’s detention received backlash given his age of 72 and the fact he is suffering from a herniated disc, while authorities still haven’t imprisoned former first lady Imelda Marcos for graft charges due to her age and overall health. The public wanted Cordero released on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing that Cordero’s old age does not make him an exemption from facing pending charges against him, again going against their decision not to imprison Marcos.
“Dadaan po ‘yan sa proseso at dadaan po ‘yan sa piskalya. Kung wala pong ebidensya, madi-dismiss po ‘yung kaso.
“Tingnan po natin ‘yan kung may ebidensya.
“Titingnan po natin ‘yan kasi regardless of your age, kapag may pending case, kinakailangan harapin ‘yung kaso. Magkakaroon lang po ‘yan ng clemency if he is found guilty.
“Mayroon tayong probisyon that the court can recommend pardon or parole to senior citizens,” Roque said.
Cordero’s lawyer Atty. VJ Topacio posted his release order.
https://www.facebook.com/vj.topacio/posts/10158636637152010
Topacio added that the drivers’ disobedience to persons in authority will be heard by the court this month.
