As the barangay election approaches, Incoming Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde believes that releasing names of running officials linked to the illegal drug industry might not be a good idea as this can be used by politicians to bring down their rivals, even the ‘guiltless’ ones, because of ‘envy’.
Albayalde underscored the importance of ‘giving due process’ to the accused and stressed that a thorough investigation should be performed before releasing any name to the public.
“We need to validate and adjudicate, they should be given due process,” Albayalde said.
“Because of political rivalry or envy, the list could include names – even those of the guiltless,” he added.
On the other hand, acting Interior Secretary Eduardo Año totally support releasing the names of barangay officials included in the drug list.
He approves of this so “people would have the knowledge or basis on who to vote for.”
Año dismissed the idea that this was discriminatory for some because according to him, “people are responsible enough to decide and think for themselves.”
He added that he would talk to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron N. Aquino to support the proposal.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 04/ 17/18)