MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) countered former President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement at a Senate hearing on Monday, dismissing his claim that drug-related crimes have increased under the current administration.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla asserted that the country’s peace and order situation is “not only stable but has also dramatically improved.”
“Secretary Remulla firmly refutes the former President’s claims that the end of the previous administration’s War on Drugs in 2022 has allowed criminal elements to resurface.
Such assertions, made during a Senate hearing on the previous administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, stand in stark contrast to the comprehensive data provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP),” the DOJ stated.
Duterte had raised his concerns during a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing.
According to a report submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., total crime incidents from July 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024, dropped to 324,368—representing a 10.66 percent decrease compared to the 363,075 recorded between December 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022.
The report noted reductions in various crimes, including rape (11.08 percent), physical injury (10.59 percent), robbery (2.26 percent), murder (10.17 percent), carnapping (23.27 percent), and homicide (0.91 percent).
“In light of these verified statistics, the Department of Justice categorically dismisses the statements made by former President Duterte as anecdotal and lacking empirical support,” the DOJ added.
“With utmost respect for former President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s leadership, we believe that his perception of an escalating crime rate does not reflect the reality supported by concrete data.
The peace and order situation remains a top priority for the Marcos Administration, and we are committed to assuring the Filipino people that our nation is on a path toward greater stability and security,” Remulla emphasized.
The DOJ also reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order and upholding the rule of law in the country.