Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday denied Sen. Leila de Lima's accusation that President Rodirgo Duterte could be the country's top drug lord protector and coddler for ordering the reinstatement of Superintendent Marvin Marcos as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8 director.
"I do not think [Duterte is a drug protector] and I do not believe and it has not crossed my mind that the President is what he is as you said," Andanar said in a radio interview on state-run dzRB, addressing a reporter who asked the question.
"The President is the President of the land and he is the number one protector of our laws in the land," Andanar added.
Andanar said he respects the criticisms not only of De Lima but even that of Sen. Panfilo Lacson against the President, who both accused the administration of "double speak" in its war against illegal drugs.
"Senator [De Lima]] has her own opinion. She is entitled to her own opinion. She is a senator of the land. And let her and let our Department of Justice secretary answer her. Thank you," said Andanar.
Duterte had explained that he ordered the reinstatement of Marcos so as not to disrupt an ongoing investigation against the police officer.
Suspected drug lord Kerwin Espniosa had accused Marcos of receiving drug money from him.
Asked if he thought Duterte is also guilty of "double standard," Andanar said: "What do you think? Maybe you should answer that question," said Andanar, addressing another phone-in question from the media.
In a statement on Saturday, De Lima said that the Senate should investigate Duterte’s admission of ordering PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa not to remove Marcos.
De Lima asked the public, “Whether or not the President, rather than De Lima, is actually the number one drug lord protector and coddler in the country.”
“Let us once again start asking questions, for the truth to come out, and to put an end to Malacañang's factory of lies and Orwellian doublespeak,” she added.
Prior to the controversy over Marcos' reinstatement, Duterte made an equally controversial meeting with Cebu businessman and suspected drug lord Peter Lim in Davao City in July where the President threatened to kill Lim if his drug links would be proven.
Lim would later be reported to have already fled the country with his family.
Lim's lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, however in August denied the reports, saying his client and his family are just in Cebu at the time.
The Cebu businessman had also been tagged by Espinosa as a top drug supplier.
Asked about Lim's whereabouts and the government's possible action against the businessman, Andanar said the Philippine National Police has yet to provide a report to Malacañang.
"I do not think [Duterte is a drug protector] and I do not believe and it has not crossed my mind that the President is what he is as you said," Andanar said in a radio interview on state-run dzRB, addressing a reporter who asked the question.
"The President is the President of the land and he is the number one protector of our laws in the land," Andanar added.
Andanar said he respects the criticisms not only of De Lima but even that of Sen. Panfilo Lacson against the President, who both accused the administration of "double speak" in its war against illegal drugs.
"Senator [De Lima]] has her own opinion. She is entitled to her own opinion. She is a senator of the land. And let her and let our Department of Justice secretary answer her. Thank you," said Andanar.
Duterte had explained that he ordered the reinstatement of Marcos so as not to disrupt an ongoing investigation against the police officer.
Suspected drug lord Kerwin Espniosa had accused Marcos of receiving drug money from him.
Asked if he thought Duterte is also guilty of "double standard," Andanar said: "What do you think? Maybe you should answer that question," said Andanar, addressing another phone-in question from the media.
In a statement on Saturday, De Lima said that the Senate should investigate Duterte’s admission of ordering PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa not to remove Marcos.
De Lima asked the public, “Whether or not the President, rather than De Lima, is actually the number one drug lord protector and coddler in the country.”
“Let us once again start asking questions, for the truth to come out, and to put an end to Malacañang's factory of lies and Orwellian doublespeak,” she added.
Prior to the controversy over Marcos' reinstatement, Duterte made an equally controversial meeting with Cebu businessman and suspected drug lord Peter Lim in Davao City in July where the President threatened to kill Lim if his drug links would be proven.
Lim would later be reported to have already fled the country with his family.
Lim's lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, however in August denied the reports, saying his client and his family are just in Cebu at the time.
The Cebu businessman had also been tagged by Espinosa as a top drug supplier.
Asked about Lim's whereabouts and the government's possible action against the businessman, Andanar said the Philippine National Police has yet to provide a report to Malacañang.
Source: gmanetwork
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