MANILA,Philippines — Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo turned the tables anew on President Duterte’s critics who blamed the Chief Executive for failing to solve the drug problem in the country.
He took a dig at critics who have done nothing but question Duterte’s drug war strategy, which many decry for alleged violation of human rights. The President has been keen on the fight against corruption, the Palace official said.
“Yes, something must be wrong, and it could be coming from those who do not appreciate the extent of the twin scourge of corruption and illegal drugs that engulf the political and social structure and fabric of our society,” he said.
Panelo said the problem was a “result of neglect as well as of incompetence not to mention their own involvement in the two-faced evil, of those who wield political power on the national level.”
Pressed to name names, the spokesman pointed to members of the political opposition for painting a wrong picture of the administration’s drug campaign.
“Draw your conclusions from the statement, it is as clear as the opposition’s penchant for lying and going against the people’s acceptance of the President,” he told reporters.
Advocacy groups have brought a human rights complaint before the International Criminal Court and the United Nations.
A former police chief, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday that something is wrong when the President is very vocal against corruption and illegal drugs yet these problems persist.
“With PRRD’s very strong position and oft-repeated threats against corruption and illegal drugs, the twin scourge seems to continue to persist. Something must be wrong somewhere,” Lacson said in his Twitter account.
Disappointed over criticisms, Duterte earlier this week offered to give to Vice President Leni Robredo some authority to lead the drug war to determine if the opposition leader can have a quick solution to the drug menace in the country. Robredo has declined the offer.
Malacañang maintained that Duterte’s offer for Robredo to become the country’s drug czar is serious and not meant as an insult.
Robredo has said the pressing problems in the country “should not be dealt with by being sensitive and insulting others.” She also said that it would be best to find solutions to problems rather than give attention to things that are “not beneficial.” – With Alexis Romero, Romina Cabrera