Manila Bulletin

46 local execs in DU30’s narcolist; 31 celebs in PDEA’s drug watch

- By FRED M. LOBO

PRESIDENT

Duterte has revealed that 46 local officials are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. DU30’s narco-list is out — and damaging. Goodbye, public servantscu­m drug dealers.

* * *

The Philippine Drug Enforcemen­t Authority (PDEA) likewise confirmed that 31 celebritie­s are allegedly under its drug watch list, though not narco-list.

Celebritie­s into drugs is no longer movie “tsismis.” Goodbye, role models!

* * * Opening his narco-list, Duterte read the names of 33 mayors, eight vice mayors, three congressme­n, a board member, and a former mayor.

Local leaders are drug dealers, too. Only in the Philippine­s!

* * *

The President said his decision to name the suspected drug personalit­ies was anchored on his trust in government agencies that vetted the narco-list.

Cross-checking made. Local execs serve…and sell shabu.

* * *

The President announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed administra­tive cases against the officials on March 14, 2019, before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Administra­tive charges now, criminal cases later. * * *

The President added that the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Presidenti­al Anti-Corruption Commission also conducted their respective investigat­ions which aided the government in filing air-tight cases.

Local officials in hot water. Their days in public office are numbered.

* * * Duterte said that he opted to release the list because it concerns the public.

“Remember that public office is a public trust. An official’s right to privacy is not absolute and there is a compelling reason to prioritize the interest of the state and the people,” he said. * **

The President added: “My ultimate concern is the pursuit of order in government and the welfare of the Filipino people.”

“My administra­tion assures you of our dedication to change the lives of Filipinos now, not tomorrow,” he added.

* * * Duterte pointed out that he will only be reading the names of those already filed against them but more could be coming and similarly charged.

“I’m reading ito lang muna. Yung iba I just want to be doubly sure,” he said. * * *

The President said he does not want to unnecessar­ily cause the defeat of some people who want to serve.

But the narco-list will do the job. Abangan ang mga talunan!

* * *

The Philippine Drug Enforcemen­t Agency (PDEA) confirmed that 31 celebritie­s are included in its drug watch list.

Aha, role models are actually drug users, PDEA revealed.

* * *

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino lamented that some of the showbiz personalit­ies included in the watch list are television hosts.

“They even serve as role models that the youth look up to but in reality, they order as much as 200 pieces of Ecstasy,” he said.

* * *

The PDEA chief said there are actually around 60,000 personalit­ies on their watch list.

Too many drug users to drag to rehab centers or to jail. Tsk-tsk!

* * *

Meanwhile, Malacañang said it will run after Davao-based businessma­n Michael Yang if it is true that he was involved in the illegal drug trade and not just being implicated.

“Charges will be filed against him if that is validated,” presidenti­al spokesman Salvador Panelo said at a press briefing after a former police official linked Yang, a former adviser of the President, to the narcotics trade.

* * *

Panelo assured the public that President Duterte would not tolerate anyone involved in drugs regardless of their relations.

“Just like the way he (President Duterte) treats other people involved in drugs, he will go to the ends of the earth to put them behind bars.” he said.

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