EDITORIAL - Drug list
There is now a move pushing for the public release of a list of politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the people should be informed about those candidates involved in drugs.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government proposed to reveal the names of politicians involved in drugs, a move President Rodrigo Duterte supported. Panelo said the list may be made public next week as the government is still building cases against politicians allegedly involved in drugs.
“There are cases which cannot be filed outright. You need certain documents...documentary as well as testimonial (evidence),” Panelo was quoted by Philstar.com as saying. “Meanwhile, you cannot let the people wait to be informed on who are involved there. As far as we are concerned, we will not allow people involved in drugs to govern the respective municipalities and barangay.”
But there are those who oppose the release of the list to the public. Senator Nancy Binay fears such a move might be used to discredit candidates. The list may guide voters, but Binay said it could also ruin reputations if not verified.
Many of those reportedly in the list are governors, mayors, and councilors. The DILG and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency are reportedly pushing for the release of the list to the public for the voters to know.
However, the government could also face serious legal trouble if it really pushes through with the release of the list. That is because those candidates in the list may have the option to run to court to seek redress.
If it really has evidence, the best move for the government is to file a case in court against those politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs. It should be the court of law that must determine the crime of those in the list, not the court of public opinion.
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