MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has expressed apprehension over Vice President Leni Robredo’s new role as drug czar, saying shared information could be used against law enforcers.
“What we are looking at is, is she really for real in helping us or looking into things that might be used against us? It’s just that this is a unique scenario where we invited an opposition to join,” said DILG Undersecretary for external and legislative affairs Ricojudge Echiverri, who admitted that he has “mixed feelings” on the designation of Robredo as co-chairperson of the Interagency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Echiverri told “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News that ICAD members have concerns on how to handle confidential information, especially those that involve public and national security, and how to share these with Robredo.
Robredo earlier said that she will meet with US and UN officials regarding the drug war, to which Echiverri also expressed concern.
The DILG official said there are “disinformation” being sent to the UN and foreign countries, amid criticism the drug war has garnered abroad.
Still, Echiverri said that they are in the phase of “getting to know you” and are currently threshing out the parameters of Robredo’s role.
He added that the Vice President could be able to bridge the gap between the government and Church leaders, especially in terms of community-based rehabilitation.
The administration, he said, has failed to engage with the Church even as they recognize the importance of the sector in terms of community initiatives.
“We recognize the importance of the participation of the Church, even if we continuously hold dialogues with them,” he said, noting thorny points were mainly on the very political aspect of Oplan Tokhang.
“What the Church maybe feels is that it is inappropriate and needs more vetting and they don’t want to participate on that. That’s why, as I’ve said, this is one gap we cannot do and she can fill the gap and hopefully would help the country further,” he added.
Robredo has vowed to sustain the relentless drug war “with the same intensity and vigor,” but with less blood.