PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, said he supports the proposal to release the list of politicians who have been linked to the illegal drug trade ahead of the May 13 elections.
Duterte, in a chance interview with Palace reporters, said he would let Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año to decide whether the list of politicians involved in illegal drugs should be made public.
"Yes," the President said, when asked if he is amenable to the plan to release the names of officials with drug links to allow the electorate to choose wisely.
"It's up to Año to decide on that. I do not interfere in his job," he added.
Duterte had divulged the names of some individuals working in government who allegedly have links to illegal drugs.
The administration’s drug watch list, the President earlier revealed, contains the names of thousands of individuals working in the government, including police officials, judges, lawmakers, and local officials.
Año has been pushing for the release of the roster of government officials involved in illegal drugs in a bid to guide the electorate in this year's midterm elections.
Earlier Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said releasing the names of narco-politicians ahead of the midterm polls would help voters make an "intelligence choice" when they cast their votes.
The PNP announced Tuesday, February 19, that it would "very soon" release the names of politicians found to be involved in narcotics trade.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency earlier said around 83 politicians are included in the government's so-called "narco-list." (SunStar Philippines)