President Duterte last night released the latest narco list or list of local officials allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade ahead of the May mid-term elections.
In the list that Duterte read in Davao City were 33 mayors, eight vice mayors, three congressmen, a board member, and a former mayor.
Before reading the list, Duterte said that his decision to name the drug personalities was anchored on his trust on the government agencies that have vetted the narco list.
According to the President, the Department of the Interior and Local Government filed administrative cases against the officials yesterday at the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission also conducted respective investigations which aided the government in filing air-tight cases against the local officials in the list.
Duterte said that he opted to release the narco list because it concerns the public.
“Remember that public office is a public trust. An official’s right to privacy is not absolute and there is a compelling reason to prioritize the interest of the state and the people,” he said. “As your President, my ultimate concern is the pursuit of order in government and the welfare of the Filipino people.”
“My administration assures you of our dedication to change the lives of Filipinos now, not tomorrow,” he added. (Argyll Geducos)
