MANILA — Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog has expressed his desire to return to the country to clear his name.

Mabilog has been on a self-imposed exile abroad for 7 years following his inclusion on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of politicians who allegedly have links to the illegal drug trade.

Mabilog left the Philippines because of threats to his life and security, saying then he could be the next "narco" politician to be killed under the Duterte administration.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Duterte to Iloilo's Mabilog: 'You’re next'

In an exclusive interview with ANC that aired Tuesday, Mabilog said there were pending complaints against him before the Office of the Ombudsman, which were heard unfortunately "without his defense."

"The court rulings were made," Mabilog said. "That is why I would like to return and face [my cases] to prove my innocence."

"I am ready to face these allegations against me, pero sana sa tamang proseso sa korte. However, wala pong na-file na kaso laban sa akin sa drug issues."

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in an ANC interview Monday said they could offer Mabilog protection if needed.

"We will offer him a witness protection, if he only wants it, but we have to study the cases, the Mabilog cases, because these are very controversial cases, and they’re very political," Remulla said.

READ: Mabilog wife says Duterte drug claims are 'lies, old news'