Malacañang asserts release of narco-list fair for voters

MALACAÑANG ON Monday maintained that releasing the so-called narco-list, which names politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, will guide voters in the upcoming midterm elections. This was in response to the statement by Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon that releasing the list may violate election laws as it can be taken as a form of negative campaigning. “From the point of view of the voters, it will also be unfair if you do not tell them exactly your investigation relative to those involved in the drug industry. And if they are elected and then suddenly their place is contaminated with drugs, they will blame the government, ‘why didn’t you tell us this, you have known this pala all the time.’ So, ibalanse natin (we have to balance it),” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a press briefing on Monday. He said the individuals in the list “can file a case, if they feel they have been ‘libeled,’” adding that the government will also file charges against the alleged narco-politicians. — Arjay L. Balinbin