Philippine MPs urge probe into claims Chinese former adviser to President Rodrigo Duterte adviser was involved in drugs trade
- Duterte and other top officials have fiercely refuted the drug allegation, saying the former adviser has no narcotics ties
Lawmakers critical of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called for a probe into a fired police official’s allegations that one of the leader’s ex-advisers was involved in the narcotics trade.
Duterte’s signature policy is an internationally condemned crackdown on drugs that has killed thousands, and the claim has led opponents to question his intentions.
“If you really hate illegal drugs, drug users and pushers, prove it now Mr Duterte and … investigate,” said Senator Leila De Lima, who is behind bars on charges she says are politically motivated.
The allegations surfaced this week after ex-police colonel Eduardo Acierto told reporters he alerted his superiors in 2017 to warn Duterte about the adviser. But instead of acknowledgement of the warning, Acierto said he found himself facing accusations of involvement in the drug trade.
Duterte and other top officials have fiercely refuted the drug allegation, saying the former adviser – a Chinese businessman – has no narcotics ties and Acierto is a disgraced police officer with an agenda.
