THERE is a debate on whether to release the names of politicians who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, or the narco-list. This, following the opposition of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). But if Malacañang and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año have their way, it should be made public despite criticisms it would violate the right to be presumed innocent.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said it should be released before the start of the campaign period on March 29 to guide voters who to vote for in May. Those in the list should be rejected. Año is now in the possession of the list, which is composed mostly of the names of mayors, vice mayors, councilors, governors and even congressmen. The list does not contain the names of national officials or senators. The list has been validated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
But the Comelec and the CHR cautioned against the release, saying it might be used by political opponents during the campaign period for reckless mudslinging, character assassination and it might trigger violence or it might violate the individual rights of those on the list. The two agencies recommended for the filing of charges first against these narco-politicians. Well, releasing the list and filing cases and prosecuting those involved are two different things. The Comelec also said the inclusion of candidates on the list is not a ground for disqualification. CHR, on the other hand, said the publication of the list would constitute denial of a person’s right to due process.
When President Duterte revealed the first list of narco-politicians during his first year in power, most of them were not charged and they remain free until now. Some, though, were killed in legitimate operations like the Parojinogs in Ozamiz City and through extra-judicial killings like Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., father of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa Jr. Others like Iloilo City Mayor Jade Mabilog went abroad. Wala tuod gipangkiha apan nangamatay pod.
Did the government charge Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot Jr. and former Mayor Michael Rama? No. Loot is in hiding and opted not to seek reelection. Rama is claiming that he has been cleared after Duterte raised his hand during a proclamation rally here last week.
Panelo questioned the concern raised by some quarters that by releasing the list, the government might violate the human rights and the right to due process of those on the list. The illegal drug trade is a matter of national security. Panelo asked what these people prefer, violation of human rights and due process or the security of the state? Those who are aggrieved can still seek remedy from the court by filing libel charges.
But did anyone mentioned by the President on the first list dare to question the chief executive or filed charges against him? They protested like Rama but nobody dared to go to court to question their inclusion. I think the same situation will happen if the President himself will reveal the second list.
For me, it should be released so people will be properly guided. We don’t even know if these politicians are serving in our locality. We have suspicion that some of our local politicians are involved in the illegal drug trade, but that suspicion remains a suspicion. We don’t have concrete evidence to support our suspicion. They should be unmasked and later on prosecuted to face the consequences of their illegal action. Hinganlan apan dili ikiha, wala gihapoy mahitabo. Hinganlan pero pamatyon, aw, okey ra.