Robredo accepts drug czar post
VP ready to bear everything if it means saving even at least one innocent life
Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday accepted President Duterte’s offer to co-chair the government’s task force against illegal drugs, even though she expects to face resistance from an administration that would try to thwart her progress.
Robredo said the most important consideration for her to accept the post as drug czar is to “stop the killings of innocent people and hold those people responsible accountable.”
“Even if we say this offer is playing politics and that agencies will not follow me and they will do everything for me not to succeed, I will bear everything because if I could save at least one innocent life, my principles and heart are telling me, I should give this a try,” Robredo told a news conference.
Robredo announced her decision to accept President Duterte’s
offer to co-chair the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) until June 30, 2022 during a media briefing at the Quezon City Reception House, where she holds office.
She will now co-chair ICAD with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director-General Aaron Aquino.
Law enforcement agencies, under the memorandum designating Robredo as ICAD co-chair, have been directed to provide assistance and cooperation to the Vice President to ensure the success of the war on illegal drugs.
“They asked me if I’m ready for this job. But my question is: Are you ready for me,” Robredo stated.
“Mr. President, only two-andhalf years are left in your administration. It’s not too late. We can still help each other,” she said.
The appointment follows Robredo’s critical remarks in an interview with Reuters, and in subsequent media appearances, which angered Duterte.
Robredo, 54, is among a growing number of critics who say Duterte’s approach to drugs has boosted his tough image but had little impact on the trade or addiction rates.
Some of her political allies had advised her not to take the post, saying that it was a trap to ensure her failure.
PNP vows full support
After Robredo announced her acceptance of her new post, the Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed full support to her.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said they welcome the decision of the Vice President to be the co-chairperson of the ICAD.
“As a member of ICAD, the PNP will extend to her utmost courtesy, cooperation, and full support toward the attainment of a drug-free Philippines by 2022,” he added.
Banac said the PNP would be amenable to any reform programs that Robredo may introduce in order for the drug war to be more effective.
“Whatever is discussed in the ICAD, we are ready to comply,” said Banac.
Like anybody, Banac said they also aspire to make the Philippines a drug-free country.
The PNP has been at the forefront of the brutal drug war that left thousands of people, including innocent children, dead since July 2016.
For his part, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Catalino Cuy said they were also ready to extend full assistance to the Vice President.
“We are ready to render full assistance and support on this. We do not consider political color on this,” said Cuy in an interview over dzMM.
“We are open to all suggestions on existing policies and programs for a better approach on the problems on illegal drugs,” he added.
The ICAD position given to Robredo stemmed from her statement that the drug war campaign must be revisited because it appears to be failing.
Senators welcome VP’s decision
Meanwhile, senators welcomed Robredo’s decision to accept President Duterte’s challenge to accept the offer to be the vice-chair of Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), as they expressed full confidence that she can carry out the mission.
Opposition senators, led by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, lauded Robredo for bravely accepting the offer, saying they were confident she “can carry out the task.”
“Being the leader of the opposition, Vice President Robredo will continue to fiscalize. But in instances such as this, when she is called upon to do her share, she will not shirk from this challenge,” Drilon said in a statement.
Nevertheless, Drilon said it was time that Filipinos rally behind the vice president and support her ideals in addressing the drug menace.
“This is an enormous task. The problems on illegal drugs continue to infect the society and ruin lives and families,” Drilon said.
“I call on the Filipino people and government instrumentalities involved in the campaign against illegal drugs to rally behind the Vice President. Her success is the success of our nation,” the minority leader said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros agreed with Drilon saying she believes that despite the common observation of many that she is being set up to fail in this regard, Robredo’s decision is “extremely laudable.”
“It demonstrates her readiness to lead and sacrifice for the people and provide better solutions to the country’s drug problem,” Hontiveros said.
“I firmly believe that if Vice President Robredo is provided all the necessary powers and resources and given the full liberty to implement a public health approach coupled with a rights-based law enforcement strategy, she can do a much better job in responding to the drug problem,” she stressed.
Hontiveros, at the same time, called on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and all relevant agencies to fully support the Vice President and follow her lead.
“I strongly believe that Vice President Robredo can effectively lead the anti-drug campaign without any form of abuse or corruption, with no innocent people dying or caught up in the war on drugs, and more lives would be reformed and no suspected drug lords like Peter Lim would be spared,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.
Members of the Senate majority bloc also expressed their support to Robredo.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said what Robredo did was a “very good move.”
“She can start by concentrating on prevention and rehabilitation. I am willing to give her some ideas that have worked before,” Sotto said.
Lacson ready to give pointers
Sen. Panfilo Lacson echoed Drilon’s pronouncement and said the people should give her the support she needs to effectively carry out her task.
“Kudos to VP Robredo. I take my hat off to her for accepting the daunting challenge. Nobody in this world cannot be incapable of accomplishing a task as long as he or she puts his/her mind and conscience into the job,” Lacson said.
“Experience counts but sincerity and mental honesty, not to mention the willingness to learn should count more. We should all give her the support she needs to contribute her share in battling this pestering problem of illegal drugs that destroys lives, families and the youth to whom we will bequeath the future of our beloved country,” added Lacson.
The former PNP chief said he, too, was willing to give Robredo some pointers in law enforcement so she can carry out her task.
“In my case, I am ready and willing to humbly share whatever modest law enforcement experience I gained in my previous life,” said Lacson.
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said he was surprised “with (Robredo’s) change of heart”, but was also glad that the Vice President decided to accept the role offered to her by the Duterte government.
“We wish her well and hope she succeeds in helping solve the menace of drugs which destroys lives and communities,” Angara said.
“If she meets with success in her new role, it will be good for the country and the administration, which delegated the job to her,” he added.
Even Sen. Francis Tolentino, a known ally of President Duterte, also welcomed Robredo’s announcement.
“Now that she is a part of the anti-drug campaign as an insider, we hope she would acquire the right historical perspective – seeing the magnitude of the problem as well as accepting that the policy choices made by the President were done for the good of the country,” Tolentino said. (With a report from Hannah L. Torregoza)