Sotto: Best for Robredo to head DDB, PDEA

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo may be appointed chair of the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) and concurrent Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

But only if President Rodrigo Duterte is serious with his offer for Robredo to run the government’s war on drugs for six months, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Tuesday.

“If it’s a serious proposal, it’s best if the VP is appointed as DDB chair and concurrent PDEA Director General,” Sotto, who previously headed the DDB, said in a statement.

Duterte dared Robredo Monday night to take over the law enforcement and drug war duties after the latter criticized his the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“I will surrender my powers to enforce the law. I will give it to the Vice President. I will give it to her for six months,” he said.

“Let’s see what will happen. I will not interfere. You want it? You’re more bright? Then try it,” he said.

READ: Duterte dares Robredo: Lead drug war

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, however, believes that the President’s remarks  were only meant to underscore the need to sustain the government’s difficult fight against illegal drugs.

And the President wants other officials to also experience this difficulty of eradicating illegal drugs, the senator said.

But  there is nothing unusual with the President’s offer to transfer certain powers to the Vice President.

“Yung pagta-transfer, I think that should be left to the President and the Vice President dahil (because) of course this is an executive delegation,” Gatchalian said in an interview at the Senate.

“Hindi naman ito (This is not) unusual  because the President can delegate certain tasks, certain powers to specific Cabinet officials so dapat mapagusapan lang nilang mabuti (they should discuss this properly),” he added.

At the same time, Gatchalian said the administration must be opened also to suggestions, opinions, and even criticisms to improve its drug war campaign. /je