Rody pitches death penalty anew to lawmakers

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte pushed anew for revival of the death penalty in a private informal meeting with legislators and local officials at his favorite hangout, the After Dark piano bar, late Saturday until yesterday morning.

Duterte returned home to Davao City for the weekend. He arrived at the After Dark piano bar at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday and went home at around 5 a.m. Sunday.

Duterte spent almost six hours with Senators Juan Edgardo Angara and Alan Peter Cayetano, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Alan Jay Velasco and Masbate Rep. Scott Davies Lanete.

Other guests were Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia, Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and special presidential assistant Christopher Go.

Sources said Duterte lamented to his guests how some local government officials have been involved in the illegal drug trade, aside from police generals he earlier identified as “protectors” of drug lords.

Duterte said their involvement in illegal drugs is an act of treason.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa earlier said the President would name this week 23 town mayors involved in the illegal drug trade.

Some of the mayors allegedly trafficking in drugs reportedly sent messages to De la Rosa belying their involvement.  – Edith Regalado, Edu Punay, Delon Porcalla