MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, has directed the Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) to probe President Rodrigo Duterte’s claims that a presidential candidate is a cocaine user.
This comes after the Palace had stated, through acting Presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, that the suspected illegal drug user’s fate would be entrusted to law enforcement officials.
“PDEG has been tasked to work on this info,” Carlos told the media via text message on Saturday.
“Kapag may mga pumapasok na mga relevant information sa amin (Whenever we receive a relevant information), definitely we will conduct an investigation. As of this time, we are trying to get additional information on that matter,” he said.
Although it is not a requirement of the Commission on Elections, Carlos advised all candidates to undergo to a drug test.
“The PNP acknowledges that no law mandates the candidate to undergo a drug test but doing so will set an example to their countrymen by proving that they aren’t users of illegal drugs,” Carlos said.
President Rodrigo Duterte stated on November 18 that one of the presidential candidates is a cocaine user, without mentioning names.
The PNP’s initial fact-finding was prompted by the President’s statement, according to Carlos, and progress will be contingent on the evidence’s adequacy.
