"Releasing the names would be reckless."
"Releasing the names would be reckless."
To release or not to release the list of so-called narco-politicians—that is the question.
There are those who say it would be unfair to release the names. They have not yet been convicted by courts of law and thus must be presumed innocent. But there are those who want the list released if only so that those in it can clear their names.
This is now the dilemma of Malacañang, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The problem is that this is an election year. If somebody is running for an elective post, being labelled a narco-politician, true or not, already bears a stigma.
It’s a perception difficult to erase.
The people especially those at the local level would already know who among the candidates are truly involved in illegal drugs anyway. There is no more need to clear their names.
The problem has gone beyond the Commission on Elections. It’s really President Duterte and the PDEA that must decide.
It’s just a list. The President may have those on the list investigated. If they are really guilty, they should be made accountable. This should be done immediately without resorting to threats or intimidation.
The problem of releasing the names is a double-edged sword. While it is supposed to serve as a warning to the people, presumption of innocence must prevail.
As a lawyer, I believe that the President, the DILG and the PDEA must investigate the 80-something names on the list. Simply releasing the names would be reckless and imprudent.
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If there is anything significant about the midterm election, it’s the fact that all the political parties involved, administration or not, are always pro-people and anti-high prices, high transport costs and high interest rates! There is no differentiation at all.
This is why we find ourselves electing movie stars.
Take Lito Lapid for example. This was a man who had confessed to feeling out of place in the Senate because he could not participate in interpellations and other debates. And yet once again he is in the winning circle.
What is important to voters is that Lapid is a popular actor. What a tragedy.
This is why any attempts to have a real debate is an exercise in futility.
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Did you know that from Sept. 21, 1972 when martial law was proclaimed by strongman Ferdinand Marcos to Feb. 25, 1986 when he left the country, he crafted 7,883 presidential decrees and other issuances covering almost every aspect of human life?
Out of the 2,036 presidential decrees issued, only 67 have been replaced or modified.
The prominence percentage of 67 PDs either repealed or modified by Executive Order 187 of President Cory Aquino were the decrees increasing penalties for certain offenses against public order and security.
Marcos also crafted and issued signal laws lauded by succeeding administrations.
I think this is significant because when the name Marcos is mentioned, people only remember the ill-gotten wealth of the atrocties of martial law.
As Shakespeare said in Julius Caesar: “The evil that men do lives after them. The good is often interred with their bones.”
It’s typical of people who have short memories.
This is why the debate rages: “Is Marcos hero or heel?” It depends. it’s a matter or perspective. He is a hero to those who appreciate his achievement. He is a heel to those who are filled with hatred and who seek revenge.
In the words of former Justice Manuel “Lolong” Lazaro, time and history will vindicate his vision and foresight.
“Generations freed from the ugly blemishes of hate, vengeance and prejudice will look more kindly and with gratitude on his achievements and contributions to the nation.”
I say “Amen” to that.
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Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde cannot blame the Social Weather Stations which found that almost eight in 10 Filipinos are afraid of extrajudicial killings in connection with the President’s war against drugs.
While EJKs are not state-sponsored, many Filipinos regard the police with suspicion. That’s a common sentiment.
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