Release of narco-list up to DILG chief: PRRD

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives a warm welcome to one of the officers from the US-Philippines Society who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on February 20, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday said it is up to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to decide on the release of the list of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

“It’s up to Año to decide on that. I do not interfere in his job,” Duterte said in an interview with reporters at the ceremonial signing of the new landmark laws he signed on Wednesday at Malacañang Palace.

He, however, expressed support to the DILG’s proposal to release the list.

“Would you rather — hindi na talaga lalabas ‘yung pangalan nila? (that their names will no longer be released?) Galit ako sa droga (I hate drugs),” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said the release of the list of politicians would help voters make an “intelligent choice” in the upcoming May polls.

On Feb. 18, DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaysia reportedly said they are asking permission from the President to release a list of local government officials with alleged drug links ahead of the May 13 mid-term polls.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said the list currently includes 83 politicians.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups started on Feb. 12 while that for the local post aspirants will kick off on March 30.