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BY GLENN BEUP
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Thursday, October 26, 2017
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ROXAS City – Members of the Liberal Party in Capiz have belied the allegation that former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas is involved in the illegal drug trade as protector.
Roxas and Sen. Franklin Drilon were accused of being “drug lord protectors” in an affidavit that Ricky Serenio, a self-confessed illegal drug ring bagman in Negros Occidental, executed on Oct. 18.
In his affidavit, Serenio wrote that Roxas and Drilon “were protectors of drug lords who had the plan of controlling the illegal drug business in Western Visayas.”
Gov. Antonio del Rosario, a staunch supporter of Roxas, said the allegation “should not be given attention.”
“Roxas is already rich. He comes from a well-to-do family and he does not need to indulge in any illegal activity just to make money,” del Rosario said.
Del Rosario added, “Si Serenio wala kredibilidad, mayad pa ang bakero sina kay mapatihan.”
Rep. Emmanuel Billones Sr. (Capiz, 1st District) said Serenio’s accusation is “malicious and full of lies.”
“Serenio’s statement is improbable, knowing Roxas as a person with a kind heart and sincerity to eradicate illegal drugs in the country during his stint as DILG secretary,” Billones said.
Billones talked to Roxas and the latter told him the claim is politically motivated.
In a text message sent to Bombyo Radyo Bacolod, Roxas denied the issue and called Serenio’s allegation “hilarious and fake news.”
On the other hand, Mambusao mayor Leodegario Labao Jr. has yet to give a statement regarding the issue.
His staff told Panay News via phone call that Labao will give his statement “once he is ready.”/PN
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