THE Department of Justice (DOJ) should be proactive in ensuring that barangay officials allegedly involved in illicit drug sale would no longer enter politics, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a press briefing, said DOJ could file drug-related charges against barangay officials who have supposed involvement in illegal drugs.
Abella said the DOJ should help in accomplishing President Rodrigo Duterte's intent that all barangay chairmen linked to narcotics trade would be blocked into "active politics."
"This particular move not to hold barangay elections is precisely what the President has said again and again to make sure that they do not enter into active politics," Abella said.
“If the DOJ finds that [they are really connected to drug trade], I think they should initiate their own moves. They’re an independent body. They’re under [the executive branch] but I’m sure they can take initiative, be proactive about the matter,” he added.
Duterte earlier revealed his plan to postpone the barangay polls scheduled on October 30 as he intends to just appoint all the village officials.
The President is mulling the presidential appointment of barangay executives because, according to him, "40 percent of them are into drugs." The postponement of barangay polls and the planned appointments can only be done through amendment of the current law.
Duterte's ally, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, then filed a measure allowing Duterte to fill up all barangay posts with officers-in-charge.
Abella said the proposed measure filed by Alvarez would be a “priority.” (SunStar Philippines)