(Eagle News)–Vice President Leni Robredo is now the co-chair of the Inter-agency committee on anti-illegal drugs.
President Rodrigo Duterte himself designated her to the position, based on an Oct. 31 letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and which was transmitted to Robredo’s office.
Duterte’s move came after Robredo said the drug war had failed because it had failed to curb the number of drug addicts in the country.
Earlier, Duterte said he was ready to relinquish his law enforcement powers to Robredo for six months if she thought she could do better, and said he was ready to appoint her as drug czar.
But his critics said his announcement was merely a ruse as there was no written order for the designation in the first place.
According to the memorandum from the President, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police, the Dangerous Drugs Board and all other law enforcement agencies are “directed to extend their full assistance” to Robredo to “ensure the success of the government’s efforts in the war against illegal drugs.”
Robredo’s stint will last until June 30, 2022, “unless sooner revoked.”
“With this development, the Palace supposes that detractors and critics will finally see the sincerity of the President in making such offer to the Vice President and understand that the Chief Executive’s ultimate motivation in making the same is the welfare of the Filipino people, with the hope that the government be successful in combatting the atrocity caused by the use and trade of illegal narcotics, regardless of who greatly contributed to such success,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. With reports from Vic Somintac