Releasing narco-list has more pros than cons: Palace

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark acknowledging concerns expressed by lawmakers that releasing a narco-list violates the presumption of innocence of candidates seeking public office. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Monday defended anew the move to release a list of politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, noting that its release has more pros than cons.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark acknowledging concerns expressed by lawmakers that releasing a narco-list violates the presumption of innocence of candidates seeking public office.

“Well-meaning personalities have expressed concern that releasing the narco list is a violation of due process as the persons listed therein will be painted in public as evil doers without them being afforded to refute the accusation,” Panelo said.

However, he emphasized that part of the risk of running for a seat in public office is being exposed to public scrutiny.

Panelo pointed out that the Constitution itself recognizes the right of the people to information on matters of public concern, especially when this affects their lives and welfare.

“The evil sought to be avoided by its release is much much greater than the perceived violation of an individual’s right, which the law allows a vindication and compensation,” he said in a statement.

“In balancing the interests between those of the individual candidates, who took the risk of being exposed by running for a public office, and that of the nation, unquestionably the country’s interests prevail,” he added.

Panelo reiterated the people’s right to know who these narco-politicians are so they could make more responsible choices when casting their vote during the elections in May.

“The public and the voters have the right to know who these destroyers of society are who have placed all of us to the brink,” he said.

“They cannot — and must not — be given the authority to rule and govern for they will only hasten the destruction of our country,” he added.

National security concern

Panelo, meanwhile, described the country as being “in a state of narco-politics,” noting that the government is “duty bound” to undertake measures to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“Thousands of barangays have been contaminated. There is no doubt that we are now in a state of narco-politics,” he said.

“The matter of illegal drugs is a matter of national security given that its continued proliferation, despite the government’s success in containing it by the relentless police operations against it, has put in peril not only the basic unit of our society, which is the family, but the local government units as well,” he added.

He said that if those involved in the illegal drug trade will be running the local governments, public safety will be endangered.

He also reiterated that the narco-list has been validated by law enforcement agencies after investigation and surveillance using modern technology and sourcing credible information from those who have been previously arrested and prosecuted.

Earlier, Panelo said that politicians who have been wrongly accused always have the option to avail of judicial remedies to clear their names.

“The fear that it may destroy the presumption of innocence, to my mind there is a judicial remedy for that: If you feel that you’ve been libeled, you can always go to the courts,” he said.