Duterte Yet to Decide on Release of Narco List

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has yet to decide whether or not he will allow the release of the “narco-list” before next year’s mid-term elections, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a statement, stressed the importance of considering all rights of candidates since simply being on the list does not disqualify unless convicted with finality.

“The President has yet to categorically announce if he will approve the release of this list amid the forthcoming elections,” Panelo said.

“The President, pursuant to its mandate to serve and protect the people, is taking into consideration all rights and interests involved in order to ensure that the 2019 elections is not only credible and peaceful but also one that is truly reflective of the people’s desires and aspirations,” he added.

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), he said, also awaits the President’s approval for the release of the narco-list, noting that it was only meant to serve as a “guide” for voters.

“The position of the DDB finds basis on the people’s right to information, which certainly includes the right to be cognizant of the profile, background and upbringing of candidates we will choose to elect to powerful positions,” Panelo said.

“As voters, we have the right to know these in order for us to make intelligent and studied choices when we go to the polls next year and exercise our right of suffrage,” he added.

Panelo, meanwhile, defended the narco-list, adding that they are not “products of mere conceptions but are based on intelligence reports which underwent a series of comprehensive assessments”.

He also assured the public that these lists are “credible and not propaganda tools to taint the characters of candidates”.

“The sole purpose of releasing such lists is for voters to be informed of personalities involved in destroying or ravaging our nation through facilitating the proliferation of dangerous drugs in our societies,” Panelo said. (PNA)