I will end drugs even at the cost of my honor, my life, and the presidency — Pres. Duterte

“What due process? Due process ulol (fool). It is given once you are in the court. It is not given by the president. I am not the court. Why should I give you due process?”

This was the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte, from his speech to his fellow alumni of the San Beda College of Law. He stressed that it is his sworn and sacred duty to tell the Filipino people the state of things in the country.



This was after he was criticized for publicly naming the active and retired generals who are allegedly tied with drug syndicates.


He also said that prior to his election as president, he already advised the officials involved in drug trade to retire early or be shamed publicly.

Among the accused officials were retired police deputy director general Marcelo Garbo Jr., newly-elected Cebu mayor Vicente Loot, former NCR police office director Joel Pagdilao, former QCPD director chief superintendent Edgardo Tinio and Western Visayas regional director chief superintendent Bernardo Diaz.

Despite this, the president stood firm that the police officers deserve to be investigated and should also have the opportunity to defend themselves.

Duterte has also named the top tier of individuals involved in the narcotics trade in the country: Wu Tian alias “Peter Co”, Herbert Colangco alis “Ampang”, and Peter Lim alias “Jaguar”. Tuan and Colangco are currently behind bars at the New Bilibid Prison, while Lim remains at large.



The president already disclosed that at least 35 local executives are either condoning or protecting drug lords and that he will name them once he gathers enough evidence.

His critics claimed that his shame campaign deprived accused small-time drug peddlers due process. However, Duterte said that the drug menace in the country would end if all drug lords are killed within 24 hours..

“And we are the only country — I think in the world, except South America — where shabu is being cooked at the national penitentiary. That’s why I have them (drug lords) arrested. I let these bitches live so that woman won’t be able to say anything against me,” Duterte said, alluding to Senator Leila de Lia who is looking into probing human rights violations in the campaign against drugs.

“I have placed the burden upon myself. I will end this even at the cost of my honor, my life, and the presidency,” he said.

The president vowed to assume “full legal responsibility” for the “bloody fight” against drugs. | ASCS - FNPH

Source: PhilStar

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