EDITORIAL - Legal and electoral battles of those in the narco list

Now that President Rodrigo Duterte has already announced publicly the names of politicians across the country allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, the burden of proof lies with the government as the action now shifts to the Ombudsman.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has already filed administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman against at least 47 incumbent local officials, allegedly involved in illegal drug activities, upon orders of the president.

The charges were filed against 35 mayors, seven vice mayors, one provincial board member, and three congressmen. They were in the list of officials involved in drugs provided by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The question now is if the government has enough evidence to merit the conviction of those charged. The DILG and the PDEA need to present strong evidence that these officials were indeed involved in the illegal drug trade.

Of course, those charged also need to show convincing evidence that would counter the allegations against them. Therefore, the public can only expect a long legal fight that would reach all the way to the Supreme Court.

As we leave the legal battle to the Ombudsman, another question is whether or not the administrative charges can seriously affect the candidacy of those seeking election in the midterm polls in May.

Well, it remains to be seen. However, it would be undeniable that those in the narco list who had good performance while serving their term of office really have a high chance of winning the election, despite the serious allegations against them.

Now, as the battle against illegal drugs moves to the poll precincts on election day, it will be the electorate that will decide the fate of those narco politicians.