Cebu prelate says Leni a great help in drive vs drugs

WAR ON DRUGS. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma faces the Cebu media in an interview at the Archbishop’s Residence on Monday. Palma said the appointment of Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs is a great help to the campaign against illegal drugs of the Duterte administration. Fe Marie Dumaboc

CEBU CITY --- The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Cebu on Monday said the appointment of Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chair of the anti-drug body is a great help in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he was “surprised yet happy” that Robredo accepted the challenge to be the co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs.

“Because some people were saying it is a ploy, it is like an invitation to failure, many would say that the president has other issue, so the whole idea is parang (like) shall we give it to her. Others would say that no, probably she won’t accept,” he said in an interview with Cebu media at the Archbishop’s Palace.

Palma said his prayers are for both President Rodrigo Duterte and Robredo on their efforts to curb illegal drugs in the country.

“On a personal note, I am surprised but I am happy that she accepted, I believe, there is a challenge on her (on) what she can do. But I also would like to believe that it is out of trust and firm conviction that she can do something positive about this war on drugs,” Palma said.

The prelate said he is looking forward to the programs of Robredo in consonance with the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Palma said he supports the government’s program against illegal drugs, as well as the Vice President’s pronouncement that there should be no more killings in anti-drug operations.

“And so even her (Vice President) openness to welcome the probe is already something and we were thinking even if only her declaration, that the killings should stop, that is already something,” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo already brushed aside speculations about Robredo’s appointment, saying the Vice President should just be allowed to implement her strategies and that the Palace even wished her well. (PNA)