Since the start of the campaign against illegal drugs, the Commission has expressed its support for it but repeatedly denounced the methods used. We recognize the need to address the drug problem and if the methods need to be harsh, we will not question it for as long as it is in accordance with the rule of law and does not result to loss of lives.

While the President’s “harsher drug war” remark might be intended to forewarn those who are into the business of doing drugs, threatening to kill can be interpreted as a directive and embolden state agents to dismiss due process. With the thousands that have already been killed because of this campaign, “harsh” is an understatement and a trivialization of the lives that were lost — it is irreversible and the suffering of families of victims can be lifelong. To say that it will be “harsher” insults the victims and their families while the drug trade has not seemingly waned.

We reiterate that such remarks carry the weight of a policy and reinforces the culture of impunity given that it is uttered by no less than the Commander-in-Chief. We hope that the administration will re-think its approach and exemplify rule of law, due process, and respect for human lives in its words and policies, for these are among the sworn and primary duties of the government as set forth in the Constitution.