PNP taps PDEG to probe Duterte's 'cocaine user' allegation

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it will investigate President Rodrigo Duterte's allegation that a certain presidential aspirant in Eleksyon 2022 was using cocaine.

PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) will handle the probe.

"Tinap po namin kaagad ang PDEG bilang sila namamahala sa droga," Carlos responded in a Dobol B TV interview when asked about Duterte's accusation against a presidential bet.

(We already tapped PDEG since they are the ones who handle anti-drug operations.)

"We will get the update from PDEG. We will attest that whether this is an information na kailangang maihayag (that needs to be publicized)," added Carlos.

Duterte had claimed that a presidential aspirant in Eleksyon 2022 uses cocaine.

"There is even a presidential candidate na nag-cocaine. May kandidato tayo na nagko-cocaine 'yan. 'Yung anak ng mayaman. Kaya nga nagtataka ako. Anong nagawa ng tao na 'yan?" Duterte said.

(There is even a presidential candidate using cocaine. We have a candidate who is using cocaine. Son of a rich family. I am puzzled. What are his contributions?)

Malacañang refused to name the presidential aspirant being alluded to Duterte as a cocaine user, and said disclosing the name would be up to the President.

Duterte's claims happened on the heels of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte's vice presidential bid in tandem with former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late dictator.

For their part, the camp of the younger Marcos said they don't feel alluded to Duterte's claims.

Other presidential aspirants commented on the matter.

Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday said he is "1,001% sure" that Duterte was not referring to him.

Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday said she favors surprise drug test for candidates.

Presidential aspirant Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Friday expressed willingness to undergo a drug test "anytime, anywhere."

Senator and presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao on Friday said there must be a mandatory drug test for those who want to secure a post in government, whether elective or appointed.

Presidential aspirant Leody De Guzman on Friday called on Duterte to focus on the supplier of cocaine of the unnamed presidential candidate whom the Chief Executive said was using the illegal drug. He also said the aspirant who is allegedly using cocaine should be caught and undergo rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno on Friday said presidential aspirants who use drugs may end up being drug lords. —KG, GMA News