Duterte to reach out to Congress for consensus on drug menace

President Rodrigo Duterte. AP File Photo

Admitting that he could not do it alone, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would reach out to Congress for a consensus on how to solve the problem of illegal drugs in the country.

“The final list submitted to me by the law enforcement agencies, ganoon po kakapal. Hindi ko malaman ngayon paano ko hahanap ng solusyon (It’s thick. I don’t know how to find a solution). This thick,” Duterte said while he held his thumb and forefinger inches apart to indicate that it was a thick one.

During his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2 before leaving for Japan, Duterte said he would try to reach out to the Senate and the House of Representatives for a consensus.

“What I’m trying to say is I’m trying to call a consensus sa itaas (with the Congress). Lahat na senator and congressmen, kasi napakabigat po ng problema na ito. Kasi kung ako lang, hindi ko kaya (All the senators and congressmen because this is a serious problem. I couldn’t do it alone),” he said.

The President reiterated his earlier statements, saying at least a thousand policemen were allegedly involved in the narcotics trade. He also mentioned that politicians and judges were on his drug list.

“Anong gagawin ko? Papatayin ko lahat (What would I do? Kill them all)?” he said.

READ: Duterte fears final drug list could spark more killings

The Chief Executive again slammed one of his staunchest critics, Sen. Leila de Lima, who he said opened the portals of the government to narcopolitics.

READ: Duterte: I’m sure of my evidence vs De Lima

“Hindi ko sukat akalain na ganoon kalalim (I never thought it would be this grave),” he said.

Duterte has received criticisms from international bodies and human rights group for his no-nonsense war on illegal drugs. RAM/rga