A Malacañang official yesterday defended President Duterte’s meeting with suspected drug lord Cebu-based Filipino-Chinese businessman Peter Lim in Davao City last Friday.
According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar, the burden now is on Lim to prove his innocence as he also encouraged other suspected drug personalities to surface and subject themselves to investigation.
“The alleged drug lord Peter Lim has come out in the open. He cleared his name and he has expressed his intention to the President that he will do just that,” said Andanar.
Andanar did not say if the President will apologize if it is proven that the Lim who surfaced is really innocent. “Let’s just wait until the final investigation comes out. Let’s just wait for Mr. Peter Lim’s evidence and what he can show to clear him from this allegation.”
Meanwhile, a lot of mayors across the country have utilized drug money to bankroll their candidacies and eventually secure victory in the last elections.
Director General Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Philippine National Police, said this is the reason why the President is keeping an eye on mayors who are into illegal drugs. (Elena L. Aben with Aaron B. Recuenco)