(Observer Network News)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his "iron fist drug control," is stepping down next year. For his successor, on the 18th, he "suddenly cast a cold arrow" and announced that "one of the presidential candidates in the country's general election next year will smoke cocaine." He also called the man very "weak" and could win the election even then. However, Duterte did not "name" or produce sufficient evidence to "hammer", but said that he "did not engage in conspiracy".
Under the "veil of mystery" of unclear facts, Philippine public opinion has speculated on this. On the 19th, the Philippine presidential interim spokesman believed that "the ringer must also be tied to the ringer", saying that Duterte should be allowed to decide whether to publish the name of this person.
As soon as the matter came out, there were presidential candidate camps busy "clarifying themselves", and some candidates expressed their support for "drug testing" of all candidates.
On the other hand, Reuters reported on the 20th that the International Criminal Court (ICC) released documents on the 20th that the International Criminal Court (ICC) released on the 20th that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had "broken up" with the Philippine government during the fight against drug crimes, showing that the ICC has suspended the investigation of Duterte after evaluating the request for postponement of the investigation submitted by the Philippines on the 10th of this month, and said that "I will learn more from the Philippine side next."
Screenshot of the daily inquirer, a mainstream Philippine media outlet
According to the Daily Inquirer (Daily Inquirer) reported on the 19th local time, Duterte suddenly announced in a televised speech the day before that a presidential candidate for next year's general election in the country smoked cocaine.
Duterte did not name the "drug addict," saying, "He comes from a wealthy family."
"I don't understand, what did that person (referring to as a "drug addict") do to contribute to the Philippines? Why would Filipinos be fooled into supporting him? I just wanted to ask, what credit does he have? Duterte only mentioned that the "drug addict" was "a very weak leader."
Even though "weak," Duterte said "that person is likely to win [in the election]." "If that's what the Philippines wants, so be it, you know." Duterte also explained that he was "not engaged in a conspiracy" but was urging the public to "find out."
In addition, Duterte praised his supportive presidential candidate, Senator Christopher Bongo, in his speech.
Because the president's words were shocking and did not "name" and produce sufficient evidence, under this "veil of mystery", the matter caused a sensation in the Philippine public opinion field, and people speculated about it.
Reuters reported on the 19th that Karlo Nograles, the interim spokesman for Duterte's office, also refused to disclose the identity of the "drug candidate" on the same day, and said, "We leave the question of whether to name the president and let him make a reasonable judgment." ”
The spokesman also pressed Philippine police, saying, "If a person violates the law, then that person should be immediately arrested and prosecuted." ”
A Philippine police spokesman said they did not know who Duterte was referring to as a "drug candidate."
Duterte's "Sudden Cold Arrow" from the Daily Inquirer
The Philippines will hold national and local elections in May 2022, when a new president, vice president, members of Congress, local administrators and members will be elected. According to the Philippine Constitution, the president serves a six-year term and cannot be re-elected. Incumbent President Duterte was elected in 2016 and will therefore step down next year. The deadline for candidates to submit materials for the general election is the 15th of this month.
On the 15th, Duterte, who was preparing to run for vice president, made a decision at the last moment of submitting materials - to run for the Senate, thus avoiding the situation of competing with his daughter Sarah for vice president.
Reuters said dozens of people have submitted presidential materials, including Christopher Bongo, who was supported by Duterte mentioned above, and Manny Pacquiao, the current senator and known as the Philippines's "national treasure boxer", The Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, former President Ferdinand Pacquiao and the Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso and former President Ferdinand Pacquiao. Marcos's son, Ferdinand Marcos Jr jr., is also a running mate for Sara Duterte,Duterte's daughter (Sarah Duterte is running for vice president).
CNN said on the 19th that the spokesman of Marcos Jr. believes that the "drug addict" implied by Duterte is not Little Marcos; another candidate, Pacquiao, also said on the same day that he supported the "drug test" of the presidential candidate.
But on the same day, the Philippine Election Commission said "substance abuse is not a reason to disqualify candidates."
It is worth mentioning that according to Reuters reported on the 20th, Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), said that after evaluating the philippine side's request for postponement of the investigation submitted on the 10th, the ICC has now suspended the investigation of Duterte's "suspected human rights violations" during the fight against drug crimes, and said that "the next step will be to learn more from the Philippine side." In response, Duterte's interim spokesman, Carlo Nograles, said "welcome.".
Ramon Casiple, vice president and political analyst at Novo Trends PH, a Philippine information firm, believes that while this is a "boost", if the new Philippine government chooses to re-cooperate with the ICC, it may make It "impossible for Duterte to do more after next year's election."
Screenshot of the Reuters report
In February 2018, the ICC informed the Philippine government that it would launch a "preliminary investigation" into whether Duterte's campaign against drug crimes had violated human rights. In March 2019, the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC.
On September 16 this year, Salvador Panello, legal adviser to the President of the Philippines, responded to the ICC's approval of an investigation into the Philippine anti-drug operation on the 15th, condemning the ICC's interference in philippine sovereignty.
This article is an exclusive manuscript of the Observer Network and may not be reproduced without authorization.