DILG-7: Behave or face charges

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the strengthened fight against illegal drug operations, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-7 has warned public officials linked to the illegal drug trade that they will not be exempted from criminal and administrative liabilities.

"(But) As local officials, they are expected to behave properly and not to engage on these illegal activities. That would most likely be the expectation from their constituents," said lawyer Rene Burdeos, director of DILG-7.

Burdeos said even public officials are subjected to the penal laws if found that they have committed any unlawful acts, such as protecting drug personalities or engaging in illegal drug trade.

If proven guilty, incumbent officials will be ousted from their elective post and will also be deprived from holding any elective or appointive positions in government office as provided by law.

"What is applicable to the ordinary men is also applicable to local officials. Even if they are in power, they are not exempted. If there is enough evidence, then they can possibly face charges," he added.

Burdeos pointed out that a legal case should be filed first before the court or the Ombudsman so that those responsible of the illegal act, including public officials, can face the corresponding penalties.

Burdeos said these abusive public officials can both face criminal and administrative liabilities.

Specifically, he referred to Republic Act 9165 also known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Under Section 27, public officials found to have benefited from the proceeds on illegal drug trafficking or have received any financial or material contributions from drug offenders "shall be removed from office and perpetually disqualified from holding any elective or appointive positions in the government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations."

Citing their criminal liability, Section 28 of the same law provides that go-vernment officials will be imposed with maximum penalties adding to absolute perpetual disqualification from any public office if found guilty of committing the unlawful act.

The head of Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention pointed out that the illegal drug trade is a social problem that "boils down to the barangay level."

In a separate interview yesterday, COSAP head Dr. Alice Utlang considers the passive efforts of barangay officials as one of the major factors that illegal drug trade has proliferated in the city.

"This has become a problem ever since because the barangay officials are not doing something about it… If only the barangay officials do their part since the start, it would have not worsened," said Utlang, who is a strong anti-drug advocate.

In Cebu City alone, several barangays has been tagged as "seriously affected" by illegal drugs. These barangays are Calamba, Camputhaw, Duljo-Fatima, Ermita, Kamagayan, Labangon, Lorega San Miguel, Mabolo, Pasil, Pulangbato, San Nicolas Proper, Sawang Calero, Suba, and T. Padilla, among others.

Utlang said every barangay is also required to create its own Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council but some have not reactivated their structural organization.

"There are also instan-ces that programs and activities are laid out by the council but are not fully implemented," she said.   (FREEMAN)