Church opposes release of narco names

CEBU, Philippines —  The Catholic Church does not support the plan to publicize the names of officials and private individuals who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is saddened by the plan to release the names but admitted that he cannot stop the government from doing this.

Palma hopes that a thorough investigation is done to avoid including innocent people in the narcolist.

Palma added charges must also be filed against those found to be really involved after a careful study and real verification.

Meanwhile, Fe Barino, chairman of the Commission on the Laity, also supports the stand of Palma.

She said a thorough investigation has to be done as some of the names on the list may not be actually involved in the drug trade but will be judged by the public even if there is no evidence against them.

 This will be unfair to them and to their families who will have to go through humiliation that they do not deserve.

She said once the reputation is damaged, it can no longer be repaired.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo had said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) may release the list of politicians involved in the illegal drug trade next week.

But Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said that this could violate election laws as it can be considered negative campaigning.

The Commission on Human Rights had also stressed that revealing the names of local executives linked to the illegal drugs trade would constitute a denial of a person’s right to due process.  — MBG (FREEMAN)