PDEA: Quantum of evidence vs narco-politicians different on administrative, criminal cases

March 17, 2019

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Saturday clarified the quantum of evidence of administrative case is different compared to a criminal case.

PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon made the statement after the Philippine National Police said there was no enough evidence yet to file criminal complaints against those in the latest list of alleged narco-politicians released by President Rodrigo Duterte last Thursday.

“The quantum of evidence of administrative case is different compared to a criminal case,” said Carreon in a message to reporters.

“These officials will not engage in actual drug transactions unlike our usual drug personalities that’s why we sought the help of AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) and PACC (Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission) to conduct money laundering investigations. Investigations on ill-gotten or unexplained wealth and lifestyle checks,” he said.

In a press conference last Friday, police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said only administrative complaints were filed against the 46 politicians based on the validation of PNP and PDEA.

“We won’t stop gathering information. When we have strong evidence, we will not hesitate to immediately file criminal complaints,” said Banac.

According to PDEA, the list is a product of almost 14 months of revalidation and workshop of the PNP, PDEA, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Department of Interior and Local Govenrment (DILG).

The 46 narco-politicians, whose names were announced by the President, include three members of the House of Representatives, one provincial board member, 35 mayors, and seven vice-mayors.

PDEA said it would forward a copy of summary of information of the three congressmen included in the list to the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privilege.

“This is only the partial list of narco-politicians. Others are still being revalidated while there are some, who were transferred to civilian list, since they are no longer holding or running for public office,” PDEA said in a statement.

“The names of politicians that were not announced are subject for continuous validation and case build-up by the intelligence agencies of the government,” it added.

PDEA and other law enforcement agencies would continue to conduct case build up against these narco-politicians.

“The personalities clearly are still given their 'day in court' since cases were filed by the DILG wherein they are given the opportunity to defend their rights, seek relief, or set forth their claims. Basically, their rights are still afforded them,” PDEA said.

PNP advised the politicians included in the list to seek assistance from them if they received validated threats.

“Everyone has a chance to ask for assistance from the PNP because we are serving everyone for their security,” said Banac in a radio interview.

“The PNP is open to everyone who will ask for help but it needs to undergo process and it has to be validated to (determine if they were) really threats, especially now that it’s election period. It has to undergo Comelec (Commission on Elections) authorization,” he added.

The DILG filed administrative charges against the 46 alleged narco-politicians before the Office of the Ombudsman. Ella Dionisio/DMS