By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan / Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos has ordered the Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) to look into President Rodrigo Duterte’s allegation that there is a presidential candidate who is a cocaine user.
The Palace earlier said, through acting Presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles, that it is leaving the fate of the alleged illegal drug user to law enforcement agencies.
“PDEG has been tasked to work on this info,” Carlos told the media via text message on Saturday (Nov. 20).
“Kapag may mga pumapasok na mga relevant information sa amin, definitely we will conduct an investigation. As of this time, we are trying to get additional information on that matter,” he said.
Although not a Commission on Elections requirement, Carlos encouraged all candidates to submit themselves to a drug test.
“The PNP acknowledges that no law mandates the candidate to undergo a drug test, but doing so will set an example to their countrymen by proving that they aren’t users of illegal drugs,” Carlos said.
On Nov. 18, President Duterte, without naming names, said one of the candidates for president is a cocaine-user.
Carlos said the President’s pronouncement prompted the PNP’s initial fact-finding, and progress will depend on the sufficiency of the evidence. (PNA) – jlo
