PDEA dared to name narco-politicians

MANILA, Philippines - Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives yesterday said they would invite Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Arturo Cacdac Jr. to disclose the names of politicians supposedly supported or bankrolled by drug syndicates.

House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said the opposition bloc would file a resolution to investigate reports of “narco-politicians” in the country on fears that drug money could be used to fund the campaign of some national and local candidates in the May 2013 elections.

“We call him out to name these narco-politicians,” Suarez said. “We will file a resolution so that he will have a proper forum where he can name these politicians.”

He said government officials coddling drug syndicates pose “a clear and present danger to our families, children and to the security of the entire nation.”

Suarez said it was even possible that some lawmakers could have been supported by drug lords but admitted he has no basis for his suspicions.

He said Cacdac has so far been doing well as the new PDEA chief with six major drug busts.

“I hope this is not only because he’s new and just wants to make an impression,” Suarez said

Suarez though expressed doubt on estimates that there are 1.7 million drug users in the country.

He said the figure could be closer to five million, based on previous estimates by other agencies.