‘No stopping’ release of narco-list’ — Palace
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:18:56 +0000
MALACAÑANG on Monday said there was no stopping the release of the “narco-list,” which contained names of politicians who tied to illegal drugs.
In a press briefing, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said that the release of the list was scheduled this week.
“I do not think [there is stopping the narco-list. The President] already gave the instruction to release it,” Panelo said.
Panelo said that Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año would be making the announcement.
The spokesman also downplayed criticism of senators and other individuals on the release of the narco-list.
“We have said this before. The reason for the release is national security. The individual right cannot prevail over national security and interest,” Panelo said.
In a press briefing last week, Panelo said the government would file administrative and criminal cases against those included in the list, quoting Año.
President Rodrigo Duterte himself was keen on releasing the list, he added.
He said that the government officials included “could be” suspended if cases were filed against them.
Panelo underscored anew the need to release the narco-list, saying Filipinos have the right to be informed.
“While we appreciate and understand the well-meaning individuals saying that the release of the narco-list may violate the presumption of innocence. We’d like to tell them that the Constitution gives the people the right to know matters of public concerns especially those that concern their lives and welfare,” he said.
“We have placed the drug problem as a national security. In other words, we are on the precipice of destruction of we cannot stop this drug industry. We cannot allow people to run local governments — the barangay (villages) – by the destroyers of society. The people have the right to know,” he said. RALPH VILLANUEVA
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