DOJ gives PDEA benefit of doubt on narco list

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra yesterday said he is giving the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) the benefit of the doubt for saying that there are 10 prosecutors in President Duterte’s list of personalities who are involved in the illegal drug trade in the country. 

In a text message, Guevarra, who is currently out of the country, said it was possible that the PDEA’s pronouncement might have been based on facts.

“I trust that the PDEA chief had enough factual basis for making that statement,” said Guevarra. 

Justice department Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon refused to comment since they were not told how the names of the 10 prosecutors got on the drug list.

“I will withhold issuing any statement until we are properly informed on the parameters used or basis for the inclusion in their watchlist,” said Fadullon. 

He added that up to now the PDEA has not coordinated with his office. 

The PDEA earlier announced that there are 13 judges and 10 prosecutors included in President Duterte’s list of personalities who are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug trade. 

But at the moment it has no intention of revealing the names of these 13 judges and 10 prosecutors since they are still verifying the information that they have on them.