MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will go after candidates who are conspiring with criminal groups, especially illegal drug syndicates, to boost their winnability in next year’s elections.
Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the PNP, has ordered the PNP’s Drug Enforcement Group and Intelligence Group to dig deep into the source of dirty money of these politicians.
“Illegal drugs operation is a lucrative business, and we are not discounting the possibility that either some erring candidates would use this for fundraising, or they would offer campaign donations in exchange for protection once they are elected,” Eleazar said.
He cited instances where locally elected officials were arrested for involvement in drugs.
“I am warning candidates not to get involved in illegal drugs, because I will personally be the one to expose you and be the first one to file a case for your disqualification, on top of the criminal charges you will be facing,” Eleazar stressed.