AMID calls for his resignation, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said he wants his eldest son, Juanito Jose Diaz III, to face drug charges in court, adding he doesn’t want the raps to reach his office for review.
As Justice secretary, Remulla has the power to review resolutions issued by state prosecutors.
A circular issued by Remulla last July revised the rules on appealing decisions of the National Prosecution Service. The new rule, among others, gives Remulla the authority to review a resolution or decision of the NPS on his own, without anyone appealing for it.
But in an interview with broadcaster/commentator Anthony Taberna on his program “Tune in to Ka Tunying,” Remulla said he is confident the case will not reach his desk.
“I think it will not reach that point. The lawyer of my son knows that it should not reach me. Face it in court, do not allow the case to reach me. Do not dribble it to the DOJ,” Remulla said, adding his son has tapped the services of his cousin-lawyer as his legal counsel.
Remulla also said the filing of the case against his son proves the country’s justice system is working.
“It is the best example of the justice system working. The son of the DOJ Secretary has a case and faces the possibility of being jailed,” he said.
Remulla reiterated his promise not to use his power or influence to help his son.
“I have nothing to do with it and I never tolerate cases involving drugs,” he said.
Last Friday, the Las Piñas City prosecutor’s office indicted the younger Remulla, 38, for violation of Section 11 of RA 9165, illegal possession of drugs, and recommended no bail.
He was nabbed last Tuesday by authorities at BF Resort Village in Las Pinas during a controlled-delivery operation. Seized from him were 932 grams of kush, which generally refers to a pure or hybrid strain of marijuana, worth P1.3 million.
BARBERS WEIGHS IN
Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, called on the United States government to implement strict control over illegal substances originating from its shores.
Barbers (Surigao del Norte) said it is the responsibility of the US Customs and Border Protection to interdict the outflow of illegal drugs that eventually find their way to other countries like the Philippines.
He issued the statement following the arrest of Remulla’s eldest son by members of the PDEA in connection with the seizure of 932 grams of high-grade marijuana or kush last Tuesday.
The consignment of the illegal substance valued at P1.3 million was intercepted by PDEA operatives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The marijuana was reportedly shipped by one Benjamin Huffman of 1524 Hornblend St. in San Diego, California.
Based on reports, the parcel used the postal service and went through the Central Mail Exchange Center of the Philippine Postal Corporation last September 27.
“Is the US Customs and Border Protection allowing exportation to countries like the Philippines of this illegal contraband? I think this issue needs to be clarified,” Barbers said.
As the country of origin, the lawmaker said the US has to implement measures “that will strengthen its control over what comes out of its jurisdiction.” — With Peter Tabingo
