Vice President Leni Robredo said she knows her limitations when handling confidential information especially regarding high value targets in the war on drugs.
Robredo made the assurance after the Senate’s approval of the P664 million budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2020
“Yung assurance naman lahat ng sensitive information, hindi idi-disclose,” Robredo said.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino had questioned the need of his co-chair on the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) to obtain the classified list.
Robredo, however, pointed to the number one mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive order creating the ICAD ensuring that high value targets are arrested.
“Ang first function ko, ensure the arrest of high-value drug personalities. Paano ko iyon ma-e-ensure kung hindi nga sa akin ishe-share iyong information?” Robredo said
Last week, Malacanang warned that President Duterte would remove Robredo from the ICAD if she shares state secrets with foreign entities.
Justice Sec. Menardo Guevarra also warned the Vice President that disclosing of sensitive and classified information to unauthorized persons is a betrayal of trust.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson called the warnings fair but said he is certain the Vice President is aware of the basic rule on handling such information.
The PDEA later on assured the Vice President that she will be given the information but these will be “for her eyes only.”
Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa called on the Vice President to leave the law enforcement duties to them.
“We strongly suggest even in our committees that she would concentrate on advocacies and rehabilitation,” Gamboa said.
This is an appeal thumbed downed by Robredo’s spokesperson.
“Ang pagkakainitindi ko ang ibinigay na mandato kay VP Leni based on the memorandum is to actually take the lead on all government efforts on illegal drugs,” Atty. Barry Guttierez said.
Robredo, meanwhile, said she has submitted a report on her meetings as well as recommendations on the war on drugs to the President who has yet to personally meet her after her appointment to the ICAD. (Jasper Camilo)