Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2016
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2016 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Note: Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros Senate of the Philippines Pasay City

QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS REGARDING DUTERTE'S LIST OF DRUG PERSONALITIES

I LAUD the government's resolve in pursuing its anti-drug campaign, 
particularly in bringing to justice alleged narco-politicians, judges 
and bad cops who have contributed and/or benefitted from the drug menace.

However, I would like to raise some questions and concerns on how 
this war is being waged, especially on the latest list made public by 
President Duterte.

Case build-ups and dangerous precedent

Is the list the result of judicious case build-ups? Is it backed up 
by sufficient evidence that can stand the scrutiny of our courts? 
Will the government file the appropriate charges?

Does this not set a dangerous precedent? Does this not violate due 
process? What prevents other public officials from making their own 
lists? What prevents them from including in the list political 
rivals, dissidents and activists? Whatever happened to the foundation 
of the judicial system and respect for individual libertes and 
rights, where one is pressumed innocent until proven guilty?

EO on FOI to access information on "drug personalities"

Can the public, through the recently signed Executive Order on 
Freedom of Information, access the information which merited the 
inclusion of the said public officials in the list? The public 
deserves to know. The government's war on drugs must be 
information-driven. It must be free from the influence of political 
bias, vendetta and rivalry. Information must be judiciously vetted 
and not violative of the rule of law.

I believe democracy was never about the President's absolute power to 
determine innocence or guilt. The Executive cannot blacken the 
reputations of people and judge them at will. The responsibility to 
prosecute and judge falls upon our judicial system.

Sadly, the President's list, while it may be motivated by good 
intentions, preempts the court's judgment and tears at the very 
fabric of our democracy. Worse, it might only serve the interests of 
the very drug lords that this crackdown is directed at, such as the 
example of Mexico where, ironically, the main beneficiaries of a 
peace and order-centric war on drugs are criminal organizations.

Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros Senate of the Philippines Pasay City
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom