MANILA – Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Eduardo Año will have to decide whether or not to release the list of politicians involved in illegal drug trade, said President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an interview on Wednesday night, the President said he agrees with the release of the “narco-list” in time for the 2019 midterm elections but does not want to interfere with the job of the DILG.
“It’s up to Año to decide on that,” Duterte said. “I do not interfere in his job.”
The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently said it is still making sure if there is enough evidence against politicians allegedly involved in the drug trade before making the narco-list public.
“In the past we have heard lots of stories about politicians using drug money to fund their campaign, but we have to base our statements on evidence, on hard facts,” PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said.
He added: “Our gathering of information is ongoing and there has to be credible witnesses, evidence. As far as the PNP is concerned, we will continue to enforce the law. Whether you’re a politician or not, if you get into illegal drugs, then we’ll go after you and arrest you and put you in jail.”
Año earlier said that there were at least 93 local officials included in the drug list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Of these, 58 were mayors./PN
