‘Narcolist’ tag hurts family, Pangasinan lawmaker says

DAGUPAN CITY — Pangasinan First District Rep. Jesus Celeste welcomed the administrative case filed against him and those in President Duterte’s so-called narcolist.

“It is but natural that I would feel sad and angry by the inclusion of my name in the list. The allegation against me has been circulating for several years already and is hurting my family,” Celeste told reporters here on Friday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday filed administrative cases against 46 incumbent politicians included in the narcolist.

The DILG filed the cases before the Office of the Ombudsman on the order of Duterte.

Celeste said the administrative case would allow him to defend himself in the right forum.  “I will fight for my right for everyone to know that my conscience is clear. If they have evidence, I will answer,” he said.

Celeste, who did not file for re-election, said “rumors” of his involvement in illegal drugs were being revived every election.

He said nothing has been proven by his detractors and no evidence has been found against him.

Celeste said he has been “cleared” several times, citing a recommendation by Region I Peace and Order Council that he and two mayors from the region have no involvement in illegal drugs.

“But the recommendation may not have reached Malacanang,” he said./lzb