Catholic prelates lauded Vice President Leonor Robredo for taking on the challenge to be the co-chair of the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Vice-President Leni Robredo (Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)
“I support the decision of VP Leni to take on the challenge to be the drug czar. Her purpose for taking on this charge is clear – to save human lives and to make government accountable for its actions. Both are very laudable,” Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said in a statement.
Caloocan Bishop Pablo David said at first he was full of apprehension for the VP when he heard the decision of the latter to accept the post, but this changed when he listened to her speech.
“After listening to her brief but straightforward speech yesterday, I admired her for her bold decision. I admired her even more for her sincerity,” he said in a separate statement.
David said he was most touched by that part in her speech when she said, “If I can save just one innocent life…”
For his part, Pabillo believes that the VP’s previous statement that she is for rehabilitation is the “right approach” to the drug problem.
He expressed hope that government agencies would cooperate with her efforts and intentions.
“The big drug dealers should be relentlessly pursued with the force of the law and not just kill the small users. I wish and pray for the success of this fresh approach to this old problem,” said Pabillo.
David, meantime, assured Robredo of the Church’s support in humanely addressing the problem of illegal drugs.
“The Church is a partner of government in every sincere effort to solve the problem of illegal drugs firmly but humanely, to address it at its roots but respect human lives and human rights. We are partners of government if it deals with addiction mainly as a health issue than as a crime,” he said.
“I can only assure her of my prayers and moral support,” added David.
On Wednesday, Robredo announced her decision to accept her appointment as co-chair of the ICAD saying she will bear everything to save at least one innocent life.
READ MORE: Robredo accepts drug czar post