Malacañang frowns on Fariñas’ immunity assertion

MALACAÑANG ON Tuesday thumbed down House Majority Leader Rodolfo C. Fariñas’ assertion that lawmakers should be given immunity when faced with minor traffic violations. “The President himself continues to observe a modest lifestyle and receives no special treatment, whether inside or outside the Palace. We hope our colleagues in Congress, especially our allies, can bring themselves to do the same,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella said during a press briefing yesterday. “Law is law right? It should be blind to all,” he added. Mr. Fariñas, on Monday during the House transportation committee hearing, asked the Department of Transportation to grant lawmakers immunity from traffic violations when Congress is in session, citing the congested traffic conditions in the capital. — Rosemarie A. Zamora