Should Good Samaritans who are helping combat the deadly COVID-19 be summoned by government to account for their volunteer work?

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is reportedly being asked to probe Vice President Leni Robredo for “competing” with government efforts by providing free shuttle service and dormitories for health workers and donating personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the use of frontline doctors and nurses.

Robredo has raised millions of funds from private donors to extend these free services almost immediately after President Duterte initially imposed a lockdown in the National Capital Region and before the enactment of the so-called “Bayanihan Act”.

Has President Duterte not asked Filipinos to do their share in the battle against the lethal novel coronavirus?

The threat of prosecution is now the unjust reward for those who answer the call of patriotism in the midst of the pandemic.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN