The named and shamed mayors strongly denied their link to the ‘trade’.
Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that almost all of the mayors who are included in the list of narco-politicians being held by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte have already come to his office.
Sueno said everybody denied their link to the illegal drug trade and giving protection to drug syndicates in their locality.
“Maraming pumunto dito sa opisina ko. Hindi lang halos, lahat sila nag-deny na hindi sila involved”.
He admitted that some of the local chief executives were even crying while denouncing the president’s claim that they have something to do with the widespread problem on illegal drugs.
“Some were even very emotional sa pagtanggi na involved sila”.
But the Interior secretary said that he cannot do more than give them a listening ear.
Sueno also explained to them that the only way to clear their name is to let themselves be subjects of a thorough investigation to be initiated by the DILG and the mayorsimmediately nodded to the suggestion.
THE DILG made them sign to a waiver which will serve as a clearance for the investigating committee to gain access to the bank accounts, property and income details of the subject.
The local chief executives were freely discharged from the DILG to come home to their respected town and cities.
But Sueno clarified that they (DILG officials) have canceled their (mayors’) police powers and they shall not have any powers to choose their chief of police. The power is given to the DILG, instead.
The agency’s move is said to have prompted fear among the name and shamed mayors because they do not have firearms and bodyguards anymore.
As of the moment, no suspension has been imposed upon the name-dropped mayors.