Duterte backs mayor who penalizes with ‘walk of shame’
While Anthony Halili, mayor of Tanauan City, Batangas, is being lambasted of his infamous ‘walk of shame’ penalty, presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte supports him by giving the former legal advice.
Crime-busting Davao City Mayor Duterte, also a lawyer, said that suspects should be given due process before being punished. He also claimed that he had never put any of his constituents to public shame in his 22 years as mayor.
“I will not even comment on it," Duterte said, when asked about his reaction with how Halili handled the case.
Instead, the incoming President will offer legal advice and appoint a lawyer to Halili should it become necessary.
He even vowed the mayor’s initiative to reduce the illegal drug trade in Batangas.
"Kung ginawa niya, okay lang and I will support him. I'll give him legal advice, a lawyer. Kasi ako, galit din talaga ako sa droga -- baka hindi na kita i-parade, i-diretso na lang kita," Duterte said.
(If he did, it’s okay and I will support him. I’ll give him legal advice, a lawyer. Because even me, I also hate drugs – I may not even allow you to parade, I’ll be direct.)
On the part of the Tanauan mayor, he said that his ‘walk of shame’ is effective in suppressing criminality in his city.
"Nakita ko kung gaano katalamak ang bentahan ng drugs sa Tanauan bago ako naging mayor. Mismong sa barangay ko ang sentro ng distribution. Kitang-kita ko ang ebidensya kung paanong ang mga tao ay walang katakot-takot na nagbebenta ng drugs, parang nagbebenta ng asin," Halili said.
(I saw how rampant drug trade is in Tanuan before I become mayor. The distribution is being done in my own barangay. I witnessed the evidence on how the people sell drugs without any fear. It is as if they are only selling salt.)
"Noon ko pa sinasabi na okay lang mag-complain sila (Commission on Human Rights). Gawin nila iyung trabaho nila at gagawin ko iyung trabaho ko. Alam ko naman talaga na ayaw nila ng ganito, pero gusto kong maiayos ang bayan ko," he said, when asked about CHR’s probe on his actions.
(I said it before that it is okay that they (Commission on Human Rights) complain. They should do their job. I will do mine as well. I know for a fact that they do not like this, but I want my city to improve.)
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
