Duterte denies going after ‘friend’ Drilon

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday denied that he had anything to do with the allegations of pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles against Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon.

In a press briefing before departing to India, Duterte called Drilon, a Liberal Party stalwart, his “friend.”

“Sen. Drilon, if I talked to somebody urging a case against you sa PDAF, bring the person in my presence and I will resign because you are my friend,” Duterte said.

He claimed it is not in his “style” to run after political opponents.

“Ni wala nga akong pakialam sa kaso ninyo sa Mamasapano. Magdala ka ng tao dito kung sino ang inutusan ko sa PDAF,” he said.

The chief executive, however, in 2017 had suggested the creation of an independent commission to look into the Mamasapano massacre.

But while he said he “respects” Drilon, Duterte warned the senator not to force the issue.

Reacting to Duterte’s statements, Drilon said he hopes to remain friends with the president despite their disagreements on matters of policy.

“I remain grateful for and acknowledge the support the president gave me as mayor of Davao City in all my election campaigns. I hope we remain friends. He has my full respect,” Drilon said.

Napoles claimed that she contributed to the 2010 campaign kitty of Drilon.

Drilon has denied receiving funds from Napoles, noting that his Statements of Contributions and Expenditures filed at the Commission on Elections are open to public scrutiny.

Napoles’ accusation was based on an interview with Erwin Tulfo, a supporter of the president, over state-run television last Monday.

READ: Palace hands off on Napoles’ allegations vs Franklin Drilon