President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by King Rodriguez/Photographers Division
(This is an opinion on the article Duterte names government officials, judiciary, PNP personnel allegedly linked to illegal drug trade by CNN Philippine Staff on August 7, 2016.)
Sunday morning (in the Philippines) began with a bang yesterday, President Rodrigo Duterte named several (current, former, active and retired) government officials, members of the judiciary and police officers allegedly involved in illicit drug trade!
Highly-anticipated (highly speculated) by people for weeks, we all got a glimpse of how the deadly “pandemic” has corrupted our country’s society. Many in the list were shell-shocked (several vehemently denied) and fearful (for their reputation and lives).
CNN Philippines reported:
“It’s very important for the people to know the state of things of conditions in this country. That is my sworn duty.”
He identified eight judges, more than 50 sitting and former mayors and vice mayors, and 40 active, retired and non-commissioned police officers allegedly involved in the drug trade. All active police officers were relieved.
“This is not personal to me. Hindi ko kayo kalaban. Wala kong samang loob sa inyo. Pero galit na ako ngayon.”[Translation: This is not personal to me. I am not your enemy. I don’t have ill feelings toward you. But I am angry now.]
Even though some of them were his friends, Duterte named them (anyway) to show his political will to relentlessly clean up the country of the drug menace.
Rody even directed all security personnel of the named officials to report back to their respective mother units within 24 hours or be dismissed. He also ordered the people named to submit themselves for investigations within the (24 hour) time period.
Also reported:
The President also ordered the immediate cancellation of all weapons permits issued to the officials he mentioned.He said that there are about 600,000 addicts, pushers and users in the country, “because government personnel were into it (illegal drug trade).”
Several lawmakers (headed by Leila De Lima, of course) have called for due-process to take its course first. Other officials and political personalities (even Erap) have applauded Duterte’s bold approach (unconventional in many ways).
What do we make of this name and shame method?
Would this be effective in the war to clean the streets?
Duterte’s determination to win this war is in full swing (it’s been less than 2 months). Fighting fire with fire and going toe-to-toe to try to land the big K.O (yup, he’s a maverick).
Digong opened the floodgates, and Filipinos are all in shock and awe!- See more at: http://awinaway.com/2016/08/08/dutertes-shock-awe/#sthash.JspD719m.dpuf