MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang was “saddened” by the involvement in illegal drugs of 31 celebrities, some of whom were reported to be selling narcotics in the entertainment industry.
Palace officials, however, declined to say if the Executive would support the release of a new list by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“We’re saddened that these people are involved, but we will never tolerate it,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
He added that the Palace expected law enforcement agencies to file charges against these celebrities if there was sufficient evidence.
“If they have sufficient evidence to back them up in court, then they should. And they must,” Panelo said.
Validation
PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said the agency, however, was still validating the list.
He noted that some celebrities allegedly use illegal drugs while partying in clubs while others were selling these.
The PDEA revealed the celebrity narcolist more than a week after the President publicly disclosed the names of 46 politicians whom he accused of involvement in illegal drugs.
In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte released a narcolist which included the names of local officials and law enforcement personnel, like police generals, who were allegedly involved in the narcotics trade.
Asked if the Palace will back the release of the names of the celebrities tagged in illegal drugs, Panelo said the PDEA must first get the President’s permission before publicizing the list.
The Palace said it was not treading lightly on the issue of celebrities involved in illegal drugs.