Stars in PDEA drug watch list deny ties before De la Rosa
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2019 06:09:38 +0000
Some of the 31 celebrities in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency drug watch list have reportedly approached administration senatorial aspirant Ronald “Bato” M. de la Rosa to deny their illegal drug ties.
The showbiz stars whose identities were withheld feared that they could be unfairly labeled as drug personalities that could tarnish their image and expose them to dangers.
One actor who requested anonymity allegedly said projects may come in trickles and become scarce in the event he is wrongly accused of being involved in illegal drugs.
Another actor added the stigma of being branded as a supposed illegal drug personality may last a lifetime even if it ones supposed link turns out to be false.
De la Rosa is a known avid supporter of President Duterte and a former chief of the Philippine National Police.
Earlier, the President declared that he intends to spare no one, even those who are close to him, including his children, if they are found guilty of having illegal drug ties.
To ensure its accuracy, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino stressed the agency is closely validating information on the alleged drug links of the 31 showbiz personalities.
Despite the public’s insistence, Aquino refused to identify the 31 celebrities until full validation is completed.
“Hindi pa po sila nasa narco list kaya lang tinitingnan natin ngayon. Mahirap kasi minsan ‘yung ibang celebrities meron silang screen name at true name so tinitingnan natin baka mamaya ‘yung pumasok doon sa narco list true name pero hindi natin kilala, ‘yun pala yung artista ,” Aquino said.
Aquino noted that most of the celebrities in the drug watch list are drug users while the others are pushers.
He expressed exasperation as some of the names in their list have wholesome images and are known to portray such roles.
Meanwhile, to reinforce its illegal drug dismantling duties, PDEA operatives yesterday conducted a random drug test on about 30 public utility vehicle drivers in Pasay City.
No PUV personnel was tested positive for illegal drugs and jeepney drivers expressed support for the PDEA’s anti-illegal drug operations.
The agency said they will conduct similar surprise illegal drug tests in other areas. (Chito A. Chavez)