Duterte dared to name, file case vs. 'cocaine-user' presidential aspirant

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate called on President Rodrigo Duterte to identify the presidential candidate who allegedly uses cocaine and file a case against that person.

In a press statement on Friday, Zarate said the President should "go beyond political innuendos" and order the arrest and jail or rehabilitation of this person if evidence warrants.

Further, the progressive lawmaker expressed support for the call for presidential and vice presidential candidates to voluntarily take drug tests.

"Kung may sapat na ebidensya ay sampahan na ito ng kaso at ikulong o iparehabilitate ang anak mayaman na presidentiable. Mahirap naman na baka makalusot pa at addict and 'weak leader' ang maging presidente ng Pilipinas," Zarate said.

"Along this issue, we support the call for a voluntary drug test conducted by an independent laboratory agreed upon by the candidates for all the presidential and vice presidential races, so as to settle this issue and for transparency," he added.

Duterte has claimed that one of the presidential aspirants in the 2022 national elections is a cocaine-user who has yet to accomplish anything.

He also talked about a weak leader who appeared to be banking on the name of the father.

Zarate, meanwhile, also mentioned that those running for public offices should disclose their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth as well as waive their rights under Bank Secrecy Act.—LDF, GMA News