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Indians on '5-6' loan can be arrested without warrant of arrest -- DOJ chief
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Jan. 10 (PNA) -- Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Tuesday said that persons especially Indian nationals engaged in lending business more commonly known as “5-6,” will be arrested even without warrant of arrest.

In a press briefing, Aguirre said the interest in the "5-6" lending activity is legal after the repeal of the Usury Law and the removal of interest ceilings.

But the DOJ Secretary said operating a lending business requires permit and other requirements.

”Pinapahuli ni Presidente (Rodrigo Duterte) mga bumbay (Indians) na nagpapa 5-6, kawawa (naman ang) mahihirap (sa) 20 percent na taas (ng interest). They could be arrested without any warrant. When they're doing that they’re committing a crime,” he told reporters.

The government will push for the implementation of the nation-wide micro lending program to address the 5-6 lending business.

Earlier, President Duterte said the 5-6 scheme has become a burden to Filipinos, especially for those who have no other resort.

Many micro, small and medium enterprises usually resort to 5-6 lenders who are usually Indian nationals.

The President said Filipinos had been experiencing such condition but it had not been noticed for a long time. (PNA)