De Lima: Instead of releasing narco list, file charges vs erring politicians

MANILA, Philippines — Instead of shaming politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade by releasing a “narco list,” the Duterte administration should file charges against these erring officials, opposition Senator Leila De Lima said Wednesday.

De Lima issued the statement after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed on Tuesday that the narco list might be released next week.

READ: ‘Narco list’ might be out in a week – DILG

The senator said releasing the narco list disregards due process and violates the right of any accused to presumption of innocence.

“Bakit hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin nila makasuhan ‘yung mga tunay na narcopoliticians?” De Lima said in a statement.

“Hanggang lista-lista lang sila at mukhang ‘naming and shaming’ lang ang mga kaya nilang gawin,” she added.

Senate Minority leader Franklin Drilon earlier echoed De Lima’s statements, advising 2019 candidates to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the release of the narco list.

He maintained that releasing the list is an “abuse of authority” and “due process.”

READ: Poll bets can seek TRO vs narco-list’s release – Drilon

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier proposed that the narco list be released within the election period of the May 2019 midterm polls.

READ: Narco-politicians to be identified within election period – DILG chief

President Rodrigo Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde earlier expressed support on Año’s proposal.

However, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Director General Aaron Aquino is not in favor of the release of the list before the elections. /je

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