PolPhil vows to shun drug protectors

CEBU, Philippines —  A group of political operators who include national government has vowed never to “lend their talents and time to public officials” known to be drug lord protectors.

Tuburan Vice Mayor Democrito Diamante, national president of the Political Operators League of the Philippines (PolPhil), yesterday said the group’s Code of Conduct calls on political officers to, among others, avoid helping drug protectors, criminals, human rights violators, and terrorists.

Political officers are not necessarily public officials or candidates for a political office. Most of them operate behind the scenes but play a vital role in shaping policies, political situations, and political careers.

However, Diamante counts as among PolPhil members national officials like Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim as the group’s chairman emeritus.

“In the last election campaign, we are happy to note that no member helped those known as protectors of the illegal drug trade anywhere in the country,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, the national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Danny Dayanghirang said the organization supports programs designed to end poverty. He noted that poverty has pushed many to become drug pushers.

“Rehabilitation of both pushers and users involves addressing the need for livelihood opportunities,” he said.

The PolPhil honorary chairmen also include three undersecretaries, namely, Trade Usec Abdulgani Macatoman, Education Usec Tonisito Umali, National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Pat Ruiz, former National Youth Commission (NYC) Commissioner Jose Sixto G. “Dingdong” Dantes, and former senator Bam Aquino.

Because PolPhil accepts members of various political colors, it has become a potent political force to reckon with, said Diamante.

“Our code of conduct includes not supporting drug lord protectors and terrorists as well as promoting the public good,” Diamante said.

After approval of its SEC papers, Diamante said preparations are underway for the group’s national convention.

According to Diamante, PolPhil aims to help change the political system in the country especially in effort eliminating or at least minimizing vote buying during elections.

The group said it also wants to be partner in nation building by helping strategize the campaign of politicians who have less resources but have strong platforms of government.

PolPhil was founded by Diamante in 2017, and one of its aims is to help political officers stay safe after every election.

To date, there are over a hundred political officers who are members of the organization. —  LPM (FREEMAN)