President Rodrigo Duterte publicly named a local congressional candidate for the Philippines who was last year arrested on charges of drug trafficking, for being a cocaine addict.
“I have to announce to you, Joseph Roxas,” Mr. Duterte told a crowd at a political rally in Bataan province in the Philippines on Monday, referring to a candidate for a provincial seat. “Joseph, stop. I am giving you tickets for several senators and representatives in a couple of months. Stop, stop! You are an old man. Your health is bad.”
“You are not going to run on any ticket. You need help. Thank you very much,” he said, as the crowd booed. “I cannot admit that a child could drink for breakfast, and I cannot admit that a girl could have sex with a man. I cannot admit that. I am a bull. Even my wife cannot admit these sins,” he said. “My mother could not admit that we were born infertile. I am a bull. I have to believe these sins. Joseph, if you know what I am saying, come, I need your help.”
It was reportedly the first time Mr. Duterte has named a presidential candidate openly under “problematic circumstances.” Previous candidates had been more subtle about their alleged shortcomings, according to The Associated Press.
Mr. Roxas was arrested in November 2016 on charges of drug trafficking, The New York Times reported at the time. He entered rehab in the Philippines after being incarcerated, and has admitted he is a cocaine addict.
Mr. Duterte has long been a strong proponent of the legalization of marijuana.
“I have to quit smoking,” he told a church meeting in August, AFP reported. “So with all due respect, I must confess before God that I’m a four-pack a day smoker.”
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