(File photo)
MANILA – UniTeam senatorial candidate Harry Roque said the low crime index for nearly six years is a significant legacy of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that incoming executive and legislative officials should continue.
Roque, a former presidential spokesman and legislator, said the war on drugs campaign has helped neutralize more criminal activities in the past five years.
He echoed the position of the Philippine National Police that the anti-drug war contributed highly to the 63 percent crime rate drop from 2016-2021 compared to figures from 2010 to 2015 under the previous administration.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government recently announced that the country's crime incidence fell to 73 percent within five years of the Duterte presidency.
"The government's anti-drug campaign has positively impacted the state of our public order and safety. It has created more peaceful communities," Roque said. "This is also why the President continues to enjoy high trust and satisfaction rating months before his term ends. He is a true man of action in going after drug syndicates and criminals."
Roque said he would sponsor a measure that benefits the lives, interests and loved ones of civil servants that ensure the peace and order of communities.
To continue the anti-drug war campaign and protect public officials and law enforcers, Roque is proposing the "Freedom from Threats Act anew."
Under Roque's House Bill 2933, people who threaten or injure the immediate family members of government officials and law enforcers will be meted higher penalties.
He said the family members of high-ranking executive, legislative and judicial officials constantly face threats, blackmail, or even violence to force these officials to act in the interests of the perpetrator.
The families of agents, officers, or employees involved in crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution have the same security and safety concerns. The measure will allow them to perform their duties, during and after their tenure of office, without fear of reprisal or retaliation from anyone.
Violators will be punished under the Penal Code with a prison sentence not less than 10 years and a fine not lower than PHP10,000. (PR)
