Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City last January 23. The former senator had refused to accept his pork barrel funds from the start. He said in a privilege speech that the funds had corrupted legislators. Now, even the members of the media are being named as those who received “payolas.” (MNS photo)
MANILA (PNA) – Criminality, particularly drug-related offenses, may be on the way to being greatly minimized in the first 100 days of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Senator-elect Panfilo M. Lacson said.
Lacson cited significant strides made by law enforcers particularly against the illegal drug trade, with suspected drug users and pushers turning themselves in to police weeks before Duterte formally assumes his post on June 30.
“Even before President-elect Duterte formally assumes the presidency, we have seen how suspected drug users and pushers turned themselves in to police in past weeks out of fear. Never in the history of criminality in the Philippines have we seen drug users, pushers and the like surrender in this manner,” said Lacson, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police from 1999-2001.
“I hope the incoming administration can maintain this momentum and catch more pushers starting July 1. While it is impossible to eradicate crime, it is quite doable to greatly minimize it,” he added.
Lacson said he is hopeful Duterte will fulfill his campaign promise of a strong anti-crime advocacy, with the help of incoming Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa.
He described dela Rosa, who had worked under him in Task Group Mindanao of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, as a “doer and a performer who delivers.”
“It takes a lot of resolve, it takes a lot of will, it takes a lot of courage,” Lacson said of the fight against crime, as he noted the illegal drug trade is a major problem as it has affected more than 90 percent of barangays in Metro Manila.
“We should all be hopeful. I hope President-elect Duterte and Gen. dela Rosa accomplish their mission against crime and drugs, for our and our future generation’s