Raps filed vs Herbert, Hero over illegal drugs

MANILA — The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) wants the Ombudsman to investigate Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and his brother, Councilor Hero Bautista, over the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city.

In a joint criminal and administrative complaint filed yesterday, the VACC accused the Bautista brothers of dishonesty, neglect of duty, misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service; grave misconduct; and, violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The group questioned why Mayor Bautista failed to combat the illegal drug trade in Quezon City since he assumed office in 2010.

VACC Chairman Dante Jimenez asked: "Why did illegal drugs proliferate in Quezon City? Why is it the number one city in terms of drug addicts, drug users? Why are two directors of Quezon City linked to drugs? Why are there so many drug surrenderers, pushers, and users? Why are so many being killed here? That is Mayor Bistek's accountability. Imagine that, mayor ka, hindi mo alam nangyayari sa syudad mo?"

The mayor also allegedly turned a blind eye on his brother's substance abuse, said VACC as it also called for Councilor Bautista's resignation. "Is there such a thing as leave of absence after admittance of use of illegal drugs? I think there should be resignation," said VACC lawyer Ariel Jawid

Councilor Bautista recently admitted to being a "victim of the drug menace," and has taken a leave from his work in Quezon City so he can undergo rehabilitation.

Quezon City Police District Director Guillermo Eleazar has also relieved 72 policemen in various city police stations from their posts. Sixty-nine of the 72 are suspected of being involved in drugs.