A political strategist is raising concerns about the alleged retaliation of the administration against its critics.
“In our environment today, you can’t be sure of what the administration’s retaliation might be. We’ve seen it. That pattern is alarming,” according to Prof. Malou Tiquia, Political Strategist.
This is the reaction of political strategist Prof. Malou Tiquia in an interview with SMNI News regarding the Senate’s ‘in aid of legislation’ investigation about the PDEA leaks.
In the said hearing, efforts were made to discredit former PDEA Agent Jonathan Morales, who signed the leaked pre-operation report in 2012 targeting then-Senator and now-President Bongbong Marcos.
Additionally, Morales is being pressured to reveal his confidential informant, which he refuses to do for fear of retaliation and possible death.
Tiquia praised Morales for his steadfastness despite his current challenges.
It is notable that several individuals who have opposed the current administration have been removed from their positions and experienced harassment.
Among them are Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, who was removed from office, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, and Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, who faced preventive suspension after organizing large rallies in their respective areas.
The same fate befell SMNI, now facing an indefinite suspension from the National Telecommunications Commission.
Tiquia believes…
“There is no declaration of Martial Law, but our rights are gradually being suppressed. That is the sad part,” Tiquia added.
Meanwhile, to put an end to the PDEA leaks about whether Marcos Jr. is using illegal drugs, Tiquia challenged him to take a hair follicle test.
“I think the president should be able to answer that once and for all. Because that is the only thing people are asking. If Morales won’t reveal his CI and we can’t see the folder with the sworn affidavits of his CIs (Confidential Informants), the other thing is really for the president to take that hair follicle test,” she stressed.
Tiquia added that the president’s decisions are causing public doubt due to this drug issue.
PBBM should address public’s call for drug test—Political Strategist
“That is the public’s doubt. If you are still using cocaine, what impact does that have on a president? That is what’s being missed. It shouldn’t be laughed off because it’s a personal matter that you need to listen to and address because the people are the ones speaking,” Tiquia expressed.
In the end, Tiquia believes that the Philippines cannot progress from its current state if the president continues to refuse to face his drug issue.
