PDEA, NBI deny involvement in preparing Duterte’s list of ‘narco politicians’

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday admitted they were not involved in the preparation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

During a congressional hearing at the House of Representatives, Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque asked PDEA Director General Isidro Lapeña if the agency or the NBI had inputs in coming up with the list of so-called “narco politicians.”

“Did the PDEA, the NBI, or PNP have inputs in the shaming and naming practice of the President, specifically as to such personalities as Leila de Lima? Did you actually give evidence to the President that became the basis for his statement that Senator Leila de Lima is involved in the drug trade as far as Muntinlupa is concerned?” Roque asked.

“No, your honor,” Lapeña replied.

For his part, NBI lawyer Henry Canapi said the bureau likewise did not have any involvement in the preparation of Duterte’s list.

“As far as the NBI is concerned, your honor, there has been no such request for us and we have not submitted any subject personalities, politicians or otherwise,” Canapi said.

When Lapeña was asked if the agency was consulted before Duterte revealed the names of alleged drug coddlers, he said: “PDEA is [a] recipient of information on matters relating to drugs, your honor. And this came from different intelligence communities, different intelligence agencies, which are validated… it comes from the regional level.”

Pressed further on whether PDEA was asked to give its inputs on any of the names Duterte mentioned on his list, the Director General said they submit reports on the matter.

Lapeña, however, added he was unsure on whether other agencies have been advising the President on the alleged coddlers of drug traders in government.

The responses of Lapeña and Canapi alarmed Roque, who vowed to raise the subject of Duterte’s “narco list” when the House appropriations committee deliberates on the Office of the President’s proposed budget for 2017.

“You know, your answers scare me because I really thought that when the names were read, they were really based on evidence given by competent agencies and here I am being told basically the answer is ‘no,’’ Roque told the two officials.

“I’m scared because my name could be there, who knows. I don’t really know how to do this. Maybe when we discuss the budget of the Office of the President we can already discuss this because I’m really wondering where we are basing the list of drug coddlers that are being popularized and mentioned by the President,” he added.

While Roque said De Lima should answer allegations that she is involved in the illegal drug trade, he said it is important that the public knows where the President is getting the information on the alleged drug coddlers. — RSJ, GMA News