Sotto bares meeting with Marcos regarding country's drug problems

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said he discussed with President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. the country's illegal drug problem, including his possible role in the next administration's anti-drug campaign, late last month.

In a text message to reporters, Sotto said Marcos invited him to a meeting at the latter's office on May 28.

He said he and Marcos "talked about my help [regarding] dangerous drugs. I said they can count on my help." 

"[Incoming Executive Secretary] Vic Rodriguez said they hope I will not mind if they keep in touch. I said 'Okay'," he added.

Asked by GMA News Online if there was an offer for him to join the Cabinet, particularly as chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, Sotto said there was none and Marcos "was just asking about my plans."

The outgoing Senate president did not disclose further information about his meeting with Marcos, saying it involved private conversations.

In 2008, Sotto, who ran for vice president in the May 2022 polls, was appointed by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as chairman of Dangerous Drugs Board.

Sotto also played a major role in the passage of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002 and was a major proponent in the implementation of various anti-drug programs while he was vice mayor of Quezon City.

In a press conference after his proclamation, Marcos disclosed that outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, father of his running-mate Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, asked him to continue the war on drugs but on his own way.

During the 2016 presidential race, Duterte vowed to end the problem of illegal drugs within three to six months after taking office.

However, the outgoing president admitted that he was wrong in making such a promise, admitting that he made it because it was the campaign period. —KBK, GMA News