PDEA rejects Marcelino request to go on leave

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Dionisio Santiago has rejected the request of his chief enforcer, Maj. Ferdinand Marcelino to go on leave in light of the administrative investigation against the Marine officer related to the Alabang drug case.

“Major Marcelino’s leadership and presence are vital and irreplaceable in these operations,” he said.

“His intent is by all means meritorious and laudable; however, I cannot approve the request at the moment.”

Santiago said Marcelino’s absence will adversely affect anti-drug operations.

Marcelino is committed to his job of fighting illegal drugs as head of PDEA’s main operating unit, he added.

In a statement, Marcelino said he wanted to go on vacation while the administrative investigation is going on.

“As a matter of principle and delicadeza as I see it deemed important for the investigation not to be tainted with suspicion of manipulation,” he said.

“I also believe that this is the right immediate action that any public servant, whether civilian or military should conduct himself or herself in such a given situation.

“Being public servants, we come under the scrutiny of the public eye and consequently, we are accountable for our actions and decision.

“The salaries that we draw from public funds put ourselves duty-bound to explain questions raised for our conduct. We all want good governance, accountability and transparency and public servants with delicadeza. And we want them now.”

President Arroyo called for an administrative investigation against Marcelino and justice department prosecutors who dismissed the drugs case filed by the PDEA against Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph and Joseph Tecson. – Michael Punongbayan