Suarez hits PDEA’s list of ‘small-fry’ politicians with drug links

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)

MANILA, Philippines — House minority leader Danilo Suarez on Wednesday asked why the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s list of government officials involved in illegal drugs were mostly “small fry.”

He told reporters that he was unimpressed with the list of 53 politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs that was presented by PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr.

“My point is that we are talking of chicken feed, napakaliit (na personalities) (insignificant names). Small fry lang ang mga ito e (these are small fries),” he said. “I am not satisfied with the list because ininvolve month pa nga yung dating congressman e tapos na yung kaso nito (they involved a former congressman whose case is closed.”

“Si Ronald (Singson) sinama niya e (he even included Ronald Singson) and Ronald is not a pusher; he is a user,” he said, pointing out that the list included village chairmen, councilmen, and vice mayors.

What Suarez wanted from PDEA was a list of big politicians involved in illegal drugs, something which he said Cacdac had earlier promised to provide him soon.

“He started it eh, he’s the one who made that statement. We did not ask for that. He said there are politicians that are involved,” the lawmaker said.

“Now, give us the names, because if not, everybody is a suspect,” he said.