DOJ to prosecute erring village chiefs

Malacañang is counting on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to be “proactive” in investigating and prosecuting barangay officials implicated in the illegal drug trade. Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the DOJ could initiate the probe to help prevent the return of drug-tainted barangay leaders into local politics. “This particular move not to hold barangay elections is precisely what the President has said again and again to make sure that they do not enter into active politics,” Abella said in a Palace news conference. “If the DOJ finds that and I think they should initiate their own moves…I’m sure they can take initiative, be proactive about the matter,” he added. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)