Lawmakers slam Duterte for unfulfilled drug war promises to cops

Filipino lawmakers are criticizing former President Rodrigo Duterte for failing to fulfill his promise to support police officers implicated in his administration's war on drugs.

Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre stated that Duterte's promises of protection were "all talk" and that the police officers who acted on his orders are now facing difficulties.

Assistant Majority Leaders Zia Alonto Adiong and Pammy Zamora echoed these sentiments, with Adiong expressing sadness that officers were neglected after following Duterte's orders.

Adiong stated that Duterte's commitment to support his officers was "nothing but an empty promise," as many now face charges without backing from the former president who ordered them to 'neutralize' drug suspects.

Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez called Duterte's commitments "drawing" or deceitful, noting that even the police officers who believed him were deceived.

Fernandez contrasted this with President Marcos Jr.'s initiative to establish a legal team within the PNP to assist officers facing charges.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil confirmed that Duterte's commitments to affected PNP personnel were not carried out and that there is no proof of delivery.

Marbil reported that between July 2016 and June 2022, 1,286 PNP officers were affected during the drug war, with 312 killed and 974 injured.

Acidre and Fernandez urged Marbil to utilize the PNP legal service to aid officers who acted in good faith during the drug campaign.