DOJ asks for names of fiscals in drug list

By JEFFREY DAMICOG

Justice Secretary Menardo Gue­varra has asked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to disclose the names of prosecutors in its drug watch list.

Guevarra said Tuesday that he has already formally requested PDEA on Monday for a copy of the list of prosecutors suspected en­gaged in the narcotics trade.

“I sent my letter to PDEA yester­day,” he said in a text message.

At the moment, the Secretary said the PDEA has not yet respond­ed to his request.

Earlier, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino revealed there are 10 prosecutors and 13 judges in its drug watch list.

Because of this, Guevarra said he will personally lead the fact-finding investigation against 10 prosecu­tors in the PDEA’s narco-list.

“Once identified and there’s scin­tilla of evidence, I myself will lead the investigation against them. That (involvement of prosecutors in illegal drug trade) is just unac­ceptable,” Guevarra said.

He pointed out that the ad­ministration of President Duterte implements a zero tolerance policy when it comes to involve­ment of government officials in illegal drugs, particularly in the DOJ which is tasked to prosecute drug suspects.

In the meantime, Guevarra said validation efforts continues on the case build-up against the 46 politicians named by the Pres­ident allegedly involved in illegal drugs.