Robredo expected the mistrust, resentment from drug-war officials

Vice President and Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drug co-chair Leni Robredo revealed on Saturday that she was used to working in difficult circumstances and that she "did not take it personally" that administration and ICAD officials had reservations over providing her with sensitive information.

“Naiintindihan ko kung ano iyong pinasok ko. Ine-expect kong maraming resentment. Ine-expect ko na maraming mistrust. Hindi naman siguro iyon maaalis because of the prevailing circumstances. Pero iyong sa akin, hindi sa akin personal. Sa akin, whatever I can do to make a difference, I will do. “ said Robredo at the sidelines of the 11th Anniversary of Banasi farmers' “Walk for Land Walk for Justice” event in Bula, Camarines sur.

“Iyong sa akin kasi, naiintindihan ko iyong reservations, at I don’t take them personally. Iyong sa akin, nandito ako para sa trabaho. Hindi ko ito hiningi; binigyan ako ng designation, seseryosohin ko.”

Interior Undersecretary Enrico Echiverri had earlier told GMA News that he was hesitant about sharing information with the Vice President, especially intelligence on mostly on high-value targets, as this first needed to be cleared with the National Security Council.

Robredo said that while getting correct, accurate, and updated data was essential for her strategy against illegal drugs, she would not insist on access if the agency refused to share it with her

“Iyong paghingi ng datos napakahalaga sa akin, kasi ang gusto ko strategic, ang gusto ko data-driven, ang gusto ko evidence-based. Pero nasa sa kanila naman kung ibibigay o hindi. Ako, ang sa akin, sanay ako to work with many limitations. Kapag hindi binigay, eh ‘di maghahanap tayo ng paraan para maayos pa din. Pero hindi ko naman kontrolado iyong desisyon ng mga agencies,” said the Vice President.

And while the lack of complete and unfiltered data and information on the illegal drug trade would reduce the relevance of her recommendations, she was nevertheless determined to get the job done whatever the limitations.

“Very realistic ako when I decided to accept the designation. Naiintindihan ko na maraming magiging limitations,” said Robredo.

High-value target list

Meanwhile, in a statement Saturday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said that they were willing to present Robredo with the high-value target drug list, but only in a close-door meeting and in the presence of personnel with the proper security clearance.

The PDEA also explained that while they did not immediately provide Robredo with the list of the high-value targets, they had discussed the situation with the Vice President's team beforehand.

PDEA chief Aaron Aquino added that the list was considered classified information and that not everybody could have a copy of it.

“Sa pinaka simpleng explanation — kapag binigay namin ang listahan kay VP Robredo hindi na namin alam kung sino sino ang magkakaroon ng access sa listahan. That will compromise our negation operations,” said Aquino in the statement.

Civil society, private sector

Robredo would be meeting with Interior Department officials next week to discuss matters related to the illegal drug trade, and despite the "prevailing circumstances," she had nothing but praise for the DILG's effort in combating the illegal drug trade which was both “organized and a step in the right direction.”

One of the aspects Robredo said her office could help the DILG in was in getting the civil society and the private sector involved in helping the victims of the illegal drug trade.

In line with this, Robredo would meet with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines to discuss the reactivation of "UBAS" or Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan - a project her late husband former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had implemented.

“Tinitignan namin na dun kami papasok. Meron akong meeting soon with the CBCP. Hi-hingin ko yung tulong nila para ma activate yung mga UBAS,” said Robredo.

On Monday, Robredo would also meet with the Department of Health to discuss drug rehabilitation programs and facilities. — DVM, GMA News