Punish the wrongdoers

The “Bikoy” video brouhaha has maligned not only President Duterte but also members of his own family; it is actionable for its scurrilousness.

He was reported, though, as not inclined to file cases against those responsible for it; we understand he derives his position from the US vs Bustos case—that in the case of public officials under attack, “the wound can be assuaged with the balm of a clear conscience.”

However, other members of his family are a different lot, as they are neither elected officials nor government functionaries; they have reputations to protect that should not be left besmirched.

President Duterte should take action on the matter to unearth the wrongdoers and apply the full force of the law.

BENJIE GUERRERO, Diliman, Quezon City