By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO
Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo yesterday accepted her designation as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs.
“Kahit sabihin na natin ang alok na ito ay pamumulitika lamang at hindi naman ako susundin ng mga ahensya, at gagawin nila ang lahat para di ako magtagumpay, handa akong tiisin lahat ng ito,” Robredo said.
“Dahil kung mayroon akong maililigtas na kahit isang inosenteng buhay, ang sinasabi ng prinsipyo at puso ko ay kailangan ko itong subukan,” she stressed.
Robredo announced her decision to accept President Duterte’s offer to be ICAD co-chairperson in a media briefing at the Quezon City Reception House, where she holds office.
Chairperson of the opposition Liberal Party, Robredo confirmed she received a letter on Tuesday from Duterte designating her to lead the anti-illegal drugs campaign in the remainder of his term.
Duterte released a memorandum dated Oct. 31 designating Robredo as ICAD co-chair who will “lead the government’s efforts against illegal drugs until 30 June 2022, unless sooner revoked.”
After accepting the post, Robredo would co-chair the ICAD with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron Aquino.
“Tinatanong nila ako kung handa ba ako para sa trabahong ito. Ang tanong ko: Handa ba kayo para sa akin?” the Vice President said.
“Mr. President, dalawa’t kalahating taon na lang ang naiiwan sa iyong administrasyon. Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat. Puwede pa nating pagtulungan ito,” she told the Chief Executive.
The second highest official of the land said the most important consideration in her decision to accept the ICAD post is to “stop the killings of innocent people and hold those people responsible accountable.”
Robredo has long been a critic of Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, which claimed thousands of drug personalities.
The Vice President said she would go after big-time drug dealers, rogue policemen involved in the recycling of seized illegal drugs, and officials who smuggled in tons of crystal meth into the country.
“Alam ng Pangulo kung ano ang posisyon ko sa drug war: Tutol ako sa pagpatay ng mga inosente, kontra ako sa pang-aabuso ng mga opisyal. Alam niya ang aking mga puna. Alam niya ang mga balak kong ayusin,” Robredo said. “Kaya kung iniisip niya na sa pagpayag na ito ay tatahimik ako, nagkakamali siya,” she added.
PNP VOWS FULL SUPPORT
The Philippine National Police vowed full support to Robredo.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said they welcome the decision of the Vice President to be the co-chairperson of the ICAD.
“The PNP welcomes the acceptance by VP Leni Robredo of the position as co-chair of ICAD to oversee the campaign against illegal,” said Banac.
“As a member of ICAD, the PNP will extend to her utmost courtesy, cooperation, and full support towards the attainment of a drug free Philippines by 2022,” he added.
Banac said the PNP is amenable to any reform programs that Robredo may introduce in order for the drug war to be more effective.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed all its attached agencies and groups to provide ample support to Robredo.
DILG Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said they welcome the appointment of the Vice President to the ICAD.
“We are ready to assist the Vice President in her new task. After all, the objective is the same – to eliminate the drug problem in our country,’’ Malaya said.
DUTERTE-ROBREDO
MEETING PUSHED
Malacanang said yesterday Robredo should meet Duterte to know the “parameters of her power” as new drug czar, after welcoming her decision to accept her new Cabinet post.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Robredo could also inform the President about her plans in addressing the drug problem following her designation as co-chairperson of the ICAD.
“It’s always a good step for any public official who would want to help this country,” Panelo said about Robredo’s acceptance of the government post.
“I think the next step for her to go to the Palace and talk to the President so she would know exactly the parameters of her power as drug czar…so she would know exactly what she will do or what she intends to do, to tell the President what she has in mind so the President can help her,” he added.
He said the President is scheduled to hold a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang yesterday and that Robredo could join the assembly. “She’s welcome. We have a Cabinet meeting today she can even join us,” he said. (with reports from Aaron Recuenco, Genalyn Kabiling, and Chito Chavez)
