Verify names on narco list first: Palma to DILG

Someone innocent may end up on the narco-list that the government plans to release next week. That’s why Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to verify first.

Palma said the background of those on the list must be thoroughly investigated to confirm their involvement in the illegal drug trade.

He said he was worried the reputation of politicians on the list would be forever tarnished even if later on they turned out to be innocent.

“Meaning to say a harm has been done because the moment they (the names) are published, even if sometimes the government would say they are only a list, this is only a list, but for the culture of people, they are almost like convicted, like labeled guilty until they proved themselves innocent and it takes time,” said Palma during a press conference organized by the Commission on the Laity on the incoming Pagsangyaw 2021 last Saturday, March 9.

Beyond his powers

However, Palma admitted he could not order the government not to proceed with its plan.

“This is an area beyond our capacity. We could not say better not because the government would say, what do you know about deterrent. You know, policy and things like that,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte had stated his support for the DILG should it proceed to release the narco-list before the midterm elections on May 13.

In a separate interview, Commission on the Laity chairperson Fe Barino said she was worried the narco-list would also affect the families of politicians on the list.

“For me, if it’s not necessary, then they shouldn’t publicize it to also protect the families of those who will be mentioned,” Barino said.