As a result of President Duterte’s unexpected apology to three government officials included in his controversial drug matrix, Senator Panfilo Lacson called for an urgent review of all existing “narco” lists for proper verification.
In his statement, Lacson emphasized that “the credibility of that list and all other narco lists involving other sectors for that matter have now become doubtful,” hence the need for a thorough assessment on the names included in the lists.
Moreover, Lacson reiterated that any classified document made public, by the President or any other official, is a reckless move and ultimately defeats the purpose of confidentiality that intelligence reports should maintain.
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As a former head of the Philippine National Police, Lacson pointed out that a narco list made known to the public would only serve as a warning to those who find their name on the list or, worse, give them unnecessary disgrace or place them in a life-threatening position.
Other senators such as Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros have voiced out the same sentiments, asking the Malacañang to reconsider its current policy of making these lists public. Pangilinan raised his concern over the importance of judicial processes in identifying the guilty party from the innocent, while Hontiveros demanded for a more prudent method in validating the narco lists.
Both senators believe that the government has no right to tarnish the characters of these persons without due process and enough evidence to support the claims against them.
Source: (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
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