Naga resolution assails Duterte’s shabu hotbed claim

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Naga has passed a resolution to express indignation over President Duterte’s claim that the city was once a hotbed of shabu.

In its Aug. 17 resolution, Naga City officials called Duterte’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “without factual basis.”

The officials also invited Duterte to visit the city and “walk our safe, peaceful and drug-free streets.”

“The city government of Naga, on behalf of all who love this ‘Maogmang Lugar’ cannot remain silent over this deep insult hurled against the dignity of all Nagueños,” the resolution added.

The Naga City officials said the head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for Southern Luzon has belied such claim.

Naga City is the bailiwick of Vice President Leni Robredo. Her late husband, Jesse, served as mayor of Naga for almost two decades. Jesse, who served as secretary of the interior and local government, died in a plane crash in August 2012.

The Vice President on Saturday also called Duterte’s remarks as a “huge insult” to the people of Naga City. She also directed her critics to focus their attacks on her and not her hometown.

“If it’s me, no one else will be affected. But if you say Naga—Naga is all of us,” she added.

Duterte also claimed that Robredo “cannot improve on anything here” should she become president. He also said he would rather have a military junta or the likes of Sen. Francis Escudero and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take over him.

The President earlier called Robredo “incompetent” after she announced she is ready to lead a “united opposition” against Duterte.