MANILA – Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon branded the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) plan to release the list of politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade as an “abuse of authority.”
The Ilonggo senator said candidates in the 2019 midterm elections can file a temporary restraining order (TRO) or an injunction to prevent the release of the “narco-list.”
“Any candidate for the May 2019 election can go to court and seek a TRO or an injunction against the release of the alleged narco-list as it is an abuse of authority, lacks due process, and will adversely affect the election results for those who are named in the said narco-list,” Drilon said.
He added that the release of the list could result in complaints of abuse of power and libel, and the DILG should just instead file cases against the politicians allegedly involved in the drug trade.
DILG secretary Eduardo Año said the other day that the “narco-list” could be released in the days to come after President Rodrigo Duterte gave his go signal to it during the Cabinet meeting on Monday.
Año added that the list – to be released before the May 13 elections – will serve as guide for voters.
Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas earlier said the poll body cannot stop the DILG as well as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency from releasing the list but politicians listed will not be disqualified in running for an elective position./PN
