• PRRD to prioritize ConCon, FOI
• Duterte names PNP generals involved in illegal drugs

“As far as we know, President Duterte favors ConCon,” said Abella, pointing out that “it’s more consultative and with more representation.”

He explained that ChaCha (charter change) is among the priorities of the President, pointing out that federalism as the form of government is strongly being pushed. “I don’t know exactly how high a priority it is, but it’s part of the considerations that we do have several issues on hand.”

Abella added that freedom of information (FOI) is also a priority of the present administration which it intends to communicate to Congress for legislation even as an Executive Order (EO) is being prepared in line with the government’s policy of transparency.

Government contracts, salaries and bonuses of officials are among the areas to be considered in the forthcoming EO, Abella explained. “This is going to be part of the specifics that will be covered in the process. But definitely, it’s being focused on right now, I believe also within the week.” 

Abella explained further that PRRD “abhors secrecy and he desires transparency, that’s part of his working style and his values that work ought to be done in a very transparent manner.”

In the same briefing, Abella also dwelt on emergency powers for the President to address the worsening traffic not only in Metro Manila but in other urban areas across the country. This is aside from the drug menace which the government is already addressing. PND (pa) 

The President named as protectors of the drug syndicates in the country – Director President named Director General Marcelo Garbo, Jr.; Police Director Bernardo Diaz; former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Joel Pagdilao; Quezon City Police Director Edgardo Tinio and retired general Vicente Loot, who is now mayor of Daanbantayan town in Cebu.

Duterte ordered the suspension of those who are still active in the service from their respective assignments.

Garbo was deputy chief for administration prior to his retirement in March 2016 while Loot retired on July 12, 2015 and run for mayor of Daanbantayan, Cebu, where he won and was inaugurated in office.

The President said “At this time, I ordered them relieved from their assignments and report to the Director General. I would like to talk to them but certainly I would expect the Police Commission to do their thing. Imbestihagan ninyo ito at huwag ninyo akong bigyan ng zarzuela na ano. Hanapin ninyo ang totoo (Investigate on this. I do not want you to give me a farce report. Find out the truth).”

“It’s going to be a dirty fight, a bloody fight, I am not apologizing for it,” Duterte said, referring to the war against the illegal drugs trade.

Saying he was compelled by a sense of duty, Duterte underscored, “Hindi ako uurong dito and I will stake my honor, my life and even the presidency, kaya kong bitawan yan,” adding that “the drive against crime, drugs and criminality will continue.”

Duterte also vowed to protect law enforcement officers who are dedicated to their line of duty.

In the said occasion, President Duterte has ordered the inclusion of the fight against illegal drugs as part of the responsibilities of the different service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).