Rama: Drug tag almost over

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City vice mayoralty bet Michael Rama said he is almost done in processing to delist his name from the narcolist of President Rodrigo Duterte.

It was in 2016 and 2017 when Rama was publicly named by Duterte as among the narco-politicians in the country reportedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

“Almost. I’ve already gone to PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency). I’ve received a communication from PDEA that they have received my letter and they recognized my visit because the whole thing which we call adjudication has to go through the process,” he told reporters.

Rama believes that the drug protector tag will not affect his candidacy as he is being supported by his group in the fight to clear his name. Being in public service for 24 years, Rama said he has never entered into illegal drug trade.

“I’m very patient and I have been patient before. I can never be impatient. I’m very excited to lead a legislative body with a powerhouse in heart and in intelligence,” he told reporters.

Yesterday, he filed his certificate of candidacy for vice mayor under the United Nationalist Alliance. There has been no case filed against Rama after he was named as among the narco-politicians unlike other officials, he said.

Since he was first named in 2016, Rama has been connecting to several officials to meet and talk to the president to clear his name but failed. He said he also visited offices such as Philippine National Police, PDEA, among others.

Few weeks ago, Rama visited Police Regional Office-7 to clear his name. During his visit he was challenged by PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas to submit to a drug test which he readily obliged and tested negative.

PRO-7 spokesperson Supt. Reyman Tolentin said the negative result will be sent to Camp Crame and the adjudication board will evaluate his case. — FPL (FREEMAN)