Senate President Franklin Drilon said he felt saddened by some local officials of Iloilo who are also allegedly involved in drug trade.
President Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte has named his second cousin from Iloilo City, Mayor Jed Mabilog, a close relative of the senator.
Drilon said, “Whatever these officials may have allegedly done are their individual acts, and cannot be the collective guilt of the Ilongos."
And to note, Mabilog has denied the accusation, “I can categorically say that I am not involved in the protection, trade, and use of illegal drugs. I am willing to open myself for any investigation, cooperate and submit myself to any court of law,” the mayor said.
Senator Drilon said on a report on Sunday and urging the president to observe due process and the rule of law.
He also said, “I strongly support President Duterte's anti-drug campaign but due process and the rule of law must be dutifully upheld.”
However, the senate president said, “I urge the President that if there is evidence that these officials were involved in the drug trade, he should immediately charge them administratively or in court." and stated that “there should be no shortcuts.”
“Charges must be filed if evidence warrants it, so that the accused will be given the opportunity to defend themselves and clear their names. Let the chips fall where they may,” he said.
While the president was in Davao City and visiting the wake of soldiers killed fighting communist insurgents, Duterte announced a list of names of judges, mayors, congressmen, and those retired and still active police officers who are allegedly involved in drug syndicate.
The 150 officials after they were named and had linked to drugs, "it might be true, it might not be true", the president said, defending it that it was his duty to the Filipinos in telling the truth.
Source: GMANetwork