Pangasinan solon: politics behind my name in drug list

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

BOLINAO, Pangasinan – The Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 1 did not find any evidence that could link Pangasinan Rep. Jesus “Boying” Celeste to any illegal drugs operation.

As such, the latest narcolist released by President Duterte came as a huge surprise to Celeste and to his constituents after his name was included together with two other congressmen.

In a press conference, Celeste said his inclusion in the list was “99 percent politically motivated.”

“Tuwing eleksiyon ito na lang palagi ang ginagamit nilang paninira since 2000, pero ang mga tao ay patuloy na nagpapanalo sa amin, he said.

Celeste and his brother Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste had voluntarily submitted himself to a drug test and were found negative of any trace of illegal or addictive substances in 2016.

In Sept 2016, the resort and residence of Celeste became the target of an investigation into what was supposed to be “submarine-drug laboratory” that turned out to be an old lifeboat stationed near the congressman’s beach playground.

Celeste noted that their family has never been involved in any illegal drugs activity, including sale, protection or use of drugs.
The Celestes were even recognized as model family of the year in 1996.

“Malinis ang konsensiya ko,and I hope ang Presidente natin ay tignan mabuti ang mga isinusumite sa kaniya na listahan,” he added.