Newly appointed Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that no individual will receive special treatment or privileges if proven to be involved in the controversial war on drugs during the Duterte administration.
"Everyone will face the full consequences of the law in the full powers of the PNP and the institution of the LGU," Remulla said during a press briefing on Monday.
Following the recent testimonies from former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma during the House quad-committee hearing on October 11, Secretary Remulla stated that this could pave the way for the reopening of other cold cases.
“I think with their testimonies, some of the cold cases will be opened, but again, let us wait until the final hearing and final recommendations of the quad comm are done, and then subsequent actions will be taken, but take it to light several cold cases are now being reopened but in advance of what she said, that is a developing matter which we have to wait until the full testimonies are given,” said Remulla.
Remulla believes that with the emergence of additional testimonies and the revelation of more information regarding the issue, corroborative testimonies may soon follow.
However, he reiterated that all individuals mentioned in the ongoing investigations are still presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil urged former PNP chiefs to provide statements to assist in the investigations.
Garma previously disclosed to the House committee panel that former President Rodrigo Duterte aimed to implement the war on drugs on a national scale, expressing a desire to replicate the Davao system, which included a reward system.
