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Monday, January 12, 2009
Death penalty not lifted in Davao
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday that he is in favor of reviving the death penalty in light of the "Alabang Boys" controversy, stating that the death sentence has not been suspended in this city.
"I am in favor of imposing the death penalty again. Tutal dinhi sa (Here in) Davao wala man gyud nawala ang (the) death penalty (has not been abolished)," Duterte said.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
In his television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" Sunday, Duterte said corruption in cases involving illegal drugs is an open secret. He added that the trade flourishes and those who peddle drugs, especially rich ones, are still out there and remain scot-free.
The mayor said he had opposed the removal of the death penalty back when he was still a member of the 11th Congress. Duterte recalled his altercation with then congressman and now Senator Joker Arroyo.
Duterte also expressed support to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago and Major Ferdinand Marcelino in their fight with officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the alleged bribery in the so-called "Alabang Boys" case.
"Keep up the good work. Sulti kung unsay tinuod (Just tell the truth)," Duterte said, scoffing at the common practice of bribery in high places by drug lords and their dealers.
Duterte said there was even an attempt in Davao City to corrupt the judiciary.
"It happened in Davao City once upon a time; (they wanted) to corrupt the prosecutors pero wala man to nadayon (but it was foiled)," the mayor said. He did not name those involved and when it happened.
Duterte added that corruption is a reality in life. "Kaya dinhi sa Davao, mag-abot gyud ta kung binuangan ninyo ang judicial system. Ingnan ta bitaw mo na init kaayo ko anang illegal drugs. Karon pa lang nagkatol na akong kamot (You will deal with me if you try to corrupt the judicial system here in Davao City. I have often said that I abhor illegal drugs. Even now my hands are already itching)."
Three years ago, local headlines carried stories about two police officers accused of helping drug suspects and a public attorney giving legal service to a suspected drug lord. The suspect was killed early on while the public attorney was transferred to the national capital. (BOT/Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex) |
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