Davao lawyers support drive vs illegal drugs

LAWYERS under the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao Chapter expressed their commitment to support the government, under President Rodrigo Duterte, on its campaign against illegal drugs.

The lawyers here issued the statement following the alleged involvement of other prosecutors and judges in the roster of drug personalities in the country. Duterte earlier revealed there are certain prosecutors and judges involved in drugs.

Davao Regional State Prosecution Office (RSPO) director Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero said the National Prosecution Service 11 and the law profession in general would not be affected with the recent pronouncement of the president.

"The law profession in general would not be affected as long as they (lawyers) are not involved in drugs and if their conscience is clear. In fact,

this can inspire lawyers in Region 11 to actively participate in the illegal drug campaign," Fabrero said.

Public Attorneys' Office (PAO) 11 director director lawyer Francis Calatrava said he was saddened that a new drug list includes fellow lawyers.

"As far as the office is concerned, we have not heard of any lawyer here in Davao region involved in illegal drugs," Calatrava said, adding that PAO has not also received any complaint from anybody related on the matter.

Davao City Prosecution Office (CPO) assistant prosecutor Rizalyn Gonzales-Pontanos, for her part, said the involvement of other prosecutors and judges in drugs will not lower the moral of others.

Pontanos was also proud to announce that the prosecutors of the prosecution office here tested negative during the random drug testing conducted by personnel of the Department of Justice (DOJ) central office last July 20, Thursday.