Statement by Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin M. Drilon

I strongly support President Duterte's anti-drug campaign but due process and the rule of law must be dutifully upheld.

As a lawyer and former justice secretary, I urged the President that If there is evidence that these officials were involved in the drug trade, he should immediately charge them administratively or in court. There should be no shortcuts. We should allow due process and the rule of law to take its course. Charges must be filed if evidence warrants it, so that the accused will be given the opportunity to defend themselves and clear their names. Let the chips fall where they may.

Let me state that I am saddened and hurt that the perception that Iloilo local officials are involved in the drug trade became the basis of such a sweeping description of Iloilo. All the efforts of the Ilongos for the past five years to make Iloilo an attractive and progressive investment destination and a livable city is negated by a sweeping judgment of the city and province of Iloilo. Whatever these officials may have allegedly done are their individual acts, and cannot be the collective guilt of the Ilongos.