A LIBERAL Party senatoriable renewed his call for death penalty restoration amid the US State Department’s warning of narcotic fund finding its way into the campaign funds of some politicians in the country.
In an interview during his visit to the Davao Region over the weekend, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon said the report from the US government is a serious matter that must be addressed by both the US and Philippine governments.
“I think it is incumbent upon the two governments to help in identifying and arresting those involved. Find ways not to allow these politicians from getting elected. Whatever means they could think of, they should use it now. Kasama na dun yung naming names, kasama na dun yung disqualifying them from running,” Biazon said.
“It is very dangerous for our country to have politicians involved in illegal drugs to get into power. It would only result to proliferation of drugs and the perpetuation of the problem,” he added.
The young legislator said that amid the US report, death penalty must now be re-imposed.
He said it must only be imposed on druglords and not the petty drug pushers.
“I’m not looking at the ordinary drug pushers sa kanto. I’m looking at those who finance, protect, and those who are directly engaged in the business as entrepreneurs and operators. We should restore the death penalty sa kanila. Kasi sila yung kahit nakakulong, they still operate. Ang logic kasi noong repealing of the death penalty was to give a chance to the perpetrator to reform. And being a representative of Muntinlupa, I have seen convicted felons reform. Pero not with convicted druglords dahil sila nakakapag-operate even within the prison walls,” Biazon said.
In Davao City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said it is looking into two politicians who are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug trade.
PDEA Southern Mindanao director Roybel Sanchez said the two narco-politicians are from the municipalities of Davao Region.
Earlier, the US State Department released its 2010 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, which stated, among others, that the Philippines' drug problem continues to pose a significant national threat despite reports of a possible decline in the supply and demand of illegal drugs in parts of the country.
The report pointed out that with the upcoming 2010 elections, there is fear that illicit narcotics funds, which have evolved into a billion-dollar industry, supporting political candidates may affect election results in the Philippines. (BOT)