DILG says Robredo can be asset in campaign vs illegal drugs

November 6, 2019

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said Vice President Leni Robredo could be an asset in the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

In an interview with reporters, DILG undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said Robredo's long history as a public official is a great help in the campaign's drug reduction side.

"She has been a public official for so long. She works with a lot of organizations and she's been communicating with different sectors in the country," Malaya said.

"So this aspect of the campaign is something we feel that she has a competency. Even Congressman (Edgar) Egay Erice said Vice President Leni is not competent when it comes to law enforcement... so we study this and we think she can be a help on the drug reduction aspect," he added.

The drug reduction side is where the DILG, with the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) cut demand from users. 

"So we think Vice President Leni will be an asset in the demand reduction side of the anti-illegal drug campaign," said Malaya.

Debunking claims by the opposition, Malaya said appointing Robredo as drug czar is not intended for her to fail.

"It's not designed to fail because first, she will get all the information she will need. She will be briefed. Remember the chairman of ICAD (Inter-agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs) is the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) chief and we all work with PDEA," he said.

"PDEA has been declared by the President as the lead agency in the anti-drug war. So instead of PDEA only, Vice President Robredo is also there. So how can it fail? If the Vice President fail, the entire campaign fails. So the government will never allow the campaign to fail. This is a mutual beneficial relationship between the members of the ICAD and the Vice President," he added.

Malaya assured Robredo she will get all documents she need and they are open in hearing suggestions from her how the government can improve the campaign.

"DILG is open for new and fresh ideas from our Vice President and Secretary (Eduardo) Año gave a directive on all agencies under DILG, including the Philippine National Police, local government units and different peace and order councils to provide the necessary assistance to the Vice President," said Malaya.

Malaya even said Robredo can share her ideas and suggestions when it comes to reduction of supply.

"Eventually once she transitions and she understands the supply side, we are open for suggestion from her," he said. 

Robredo on Wednesday accepted the designation offered by President Rodrigo Duterte as the co-chairperson of ICAD.  Ella Dionisio/DMS