Koronadal City, SOUTH COTABATO – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, March 26, lambasted ex-cop Eduardo Acierto who has recently linked former economic adviser Michael Yang to drugs syndicate.

The Chief Executive defended Yang a day after Acierto made allegations that the former economic adviser was involved in illegal drug trade.

The President affirmed that Yang is a plain businessman and has solid integrity. He then made a call to the public not to believe Acierto’s accusations since the ex-cop has an infamous reputation.

“Huwag kayo maniwala dito, lalo na si Acierto,” President Duterte said during the turnover of grants to the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Unconditional Cash Transfer Program.

The President also denied Acierto’s contentions that he ignored the reports the latter submitted, enumerating Yang’s supposed ties with the narco business.

“Sabi niya hindi ko raw binigyan ng importansya. Bakit ko bigyan ng importansya? Kayo ang nag-imbestiga, eh di gawin n’yo ang trabaho n’yo,” he said.

“Alam ko siya na corrupt. Alam ko na siya na nag-kikidnap ng mga Chinese, pati ‘yung Koreano na pinatay doon sa Crame, siya ‘yun,” President Duterte added.

Moreover, the President noted that Acierto was sacked from his post for his involvement in the issuance of more than 1,000 rifles to members of the communist group.

“Si Eduardo Acierto na-dismiss sa police effective August 14 due to [the] procurement of AK-47 rifles, which eventually landed in possession of the New People’s Army,” he said.

According to President Duterte, Yang’s integrity was well-vouched by high-ranking Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

He then stated that the ex-cop is being used by the opposition against the administration. PND###