Panelo: Duterte's name dropping of ‘narco generals’ legal

MANILA, Philippines – Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte's naming of five high-ranking police officials allegedly involved in illegal drug activities was not illegal.

“There is no violation of any law in so far as the president is concerned,” Panelo said in a televised interview with ABS-CBN News.

“E abogado yan e, alam niya kung ano [ang dapat]. Hindi ba sinabi niya ‘I know the limits of my power as president of this country,’” he added referring to Duterte' s inaugural speech.

On Tuesday, Duterte alleged that retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr., former National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Joel Pagdilao, Western Visayas regional director Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz, Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio and retired police general Vicente “Vic” Loot are involved in illegal drugs at a speech during the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force.

Panelo said the generals named by Duterte should be thankful they were given the chance to air their side. Three active police generals, Pagdilao, Diaz and Tinio reported to PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to defend themselves.

The chief presidential legal counsel also clarified that Duterte’s move was not trial by publicity since the accused were given a chance to air their side. He assured that the president has valid sources before he pronounced his claims.

“Tandaan ninyo na si Presidente Duterte would not be saying anything without valid sources,” Panelo said.

“He is now the president of the Philippines and he has access to intelligence information,” he added.

Panelo cited that former PNP chief and current Sen. Panfilo Lacson has stated publicly that the president must have a basis for his claims.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said it would not yet divulge the evidence against the five generals so the cases would not get compromised.

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