MANILA, Philippines – Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s camp on Tuesday responded to Liberal Party’s (LP) standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II’s criticism of Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said since Roxas once headed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), his knowledge of and inaction on the Davao illegal drug trade make him an accomplice and protector of drug lords and pushers.
On Sunday, Roxas questioned Duterte’s declaration that he can end criminality, drug and corruption in three to six months. The LP bet responded to Duterte’s claims, saying Davao has the fourth highest incidence of crime in the entire country and that there are drugs in Davao, citing that he can bring the media to prove it.
“Mar is showing he is not fit to be the leader of our country. He did not only exhibit irresponsible citizenship by not reporting to authorities where drugs are being peddled, he has, in fact, become an accomplice in protecting drug lords and drug pushers,” Laviña said.
Laviña questioned Roxas’s track record on curbing illegal drugs adding that the former DILG chief is only tainting the reputation of Duterte and Davao City to make himself appear good.
Duterte’s spokesman said Roxas deserves to “go to jail, not to Malacañang” for inacting on illegal drugs despite his knowledge, noting that DILG chief has an administrative power over the police.
“What has he done as secretary of DILG and as chairman of the National Police Commission to fight drug abuse?” Laviña asked
“He is painting others black so he will look white,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a post-debate interview, Duterte, an anti-illegal drugs advocate, reacted to Roxas’s criticisms against him and called Roxas a “failed politician.” He claimed Roxas is incapable of carrying out an anti-drug campaign.
“He can never do it,” Duterte said. “Give him 20 years and still won’t be able to hack it,” he added.
Duterte and Roxas faced each other during the first presidential debate held at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro along with three other candidates. All presidential bets were asked about their track records and their platform for the country as president of the Philippines.
Source: philstar.com (Rosette Adel)