THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the 46 narco-politicians named by President Rodrigo Duterte is only in the partial list.
In an official statement issued by PDEA, through its regional office in Western Visayas, it said that that the narco-list revealed by the President was a product of almost 14 months of revalidation and workshop among the Philippine National Police (PNP), PDEA, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The narco-list included three congressmen, one Provincial Board member, 35 mayors and seven vice mayors. Five of them were from Western Visayas.
There are still more narco-politicians in the government’s list but the other names are still being validated. Others were also transferred to the civilian list since they are no longer holding office or are no longer running for office.
The names of narco-politicians that were not announced are still subject to continuous validation and case build-up by the intelligence agencies of the government, PDEA- Western Visayas also stated.
The narco-list underwent revalidation and verification processes through monthly workshops conducted by the PNP, PDEA, Nica, AFP and DILG.
PDEA and other law enforcement agencies will continue to build up cases against the so-called narco-politicians.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission are also conducting their own investigation against these 46 narco-politicians in support to the law enforcement efforts, PDEA warned.
Further, PDEA will also forward a copy of the summary of information of the three congressmen included in the list to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ethics and Privilege.
PDEA’s statement further stated that the DILG, on the other hand, filed complaints against the 46 validated narco-politicians before the Ombudsman for grave misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, conduct unbecoming of a public officer and gross neglect of duty.
The personalities will still be given their “day in court” since cases were filed by the DILG. This means that they are given the opportunity to defend themselves as is their right, as well as seek relief, or set forth their claims. Basically, their rights are still afforded to them, the agency also assured.
“Our government has a greater responsibility to the state and the public because the interest of the majority is greater than that of the erring few,” PDEA’s statement also said on the issue of why the narco-list was made public.
“The Supreme Court provided a strong ruling on the superiority of the public’s right to information as against an individual’s right to privacy,” PDEA further emphasized.
It also cited that in several decisions on cases, the Supreme Court affirmed that the right to privacy is not absolute when there is compelling reason to prioritize the interest of the state.
The disclosure of valuable and valid information is needed to curtail and minimize corruption amongst officials of the government, to promote the highest standard of honesty in public service and to elevate morality in public administration.
This is the reason why public officials have limited right to privacy as compared to ordinary individuals. These officials serve the public and are therefore accountable to the public.
The Constitution, likewise, protects the public’s basic right to information and access to government transactions, documents and operations, the agency added.