Narco-list out next week; narco-politicians to face raps

MANILA. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. (Screenshot from RTVM video)
MANILA. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. (Screenshot from RTVM video)

THE Duterte government is slated to make public next week the names of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs, Malacañang said Tuesday, March 5.

Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año would release the government's so-called "narco-list" after getting support from President Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting held at Palace on Monday, March 4, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo maintained that revealing the names of the narco-politicians would prevent voters from choosing May 13, 2019 poll candidates who are proven to be "destroyers of society" because of their drug involvement.

"While we appreciate and understand well-meaning individuals saying that the release of the narco-list may violate presumption of innocence, we'd like to tell them that the Constitution gives the people the right to know matters of public concerns, especially those that concern their lives and welfare," said Panelo in a press briefing.

"Now, we have placed the drug problem as a national security. In other words, we are on the precipice of destruction if we cannot stop this drug industry. We cannot allow people to run local governments, the barangays, by the destroyers of society. The people have the right to know," he added.

Amid the planned release of narco-list next week, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino opposed the hasty decision, saying he prefers the filing of charges against the individuals.

Aquino said Monday that the PDEA is not yet done with the re-validation of the narco-list.

The number of narco-politicians was narrowed down to 82 from 83 following the removal of a mayor who was arrested for murder and illegal possession of firearm.

Of the 82 politicians involved in the illegal drug trade, 64 are re-electionists.

Panelo said Año made a commitment to file administrative and criminal charges against the narco-politicians.

"He will be filing administrative charges, as well criminal charges against those in the list. Baka either simultaneous o mauna (Perhaps, it's either simultaneous or it will go first). It doesn't matter really kung ano ang mauna (what will go first)," he said.

"You cannot let the people wait kasi (because) it takes time filing charges. Eh that time nag-file ka ng charges, baka na-elect na 'yung mga 'yun (They may get elected, if we wait the time that we file charges against them)," he added.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledged on March 3 that the release of narco-list is meant to ensure that only law-abiding citizens get elected. It, however, reminded the current administration that "presumption of innocence is a constitutionally-guaranteed right."

But for Panelo, politicians who have links to narcotics trade already "waived" their rights to be presumed innocent.

"The constitutional presumption of innocence -- to my mind and to the President's mind -- [has] been waived by reason of their running for public office. Because when you run for public office, everything is a fair game. You open yourself to criticism. Kakalkalin lahat 'yung buhay mo diyan (Everything about you will be made public)," the Palace official said.

"I will repeat what I said, it's a fair game for all candidates who are involved in the drug industry. They know what they're doing is something that is destructive on the fabric of society. So when their names are listed there, they take that risk," he added. (SunStar Philippines)

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