Muntinlupa court acquits 2 ‘Alabang boys’ of drug charge
By Miko Morelos, Ruel Perez990AM, INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Richard Brodett and Joseph Tecson. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines—The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court acquitted two of the so-called Alabang boys who have been charged with a case for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Richard Brodett and Jorge Joseph have been acquitted due to the police’s improper gathering of evidence.
The court ruled that the buy bust operation did not follow the specific chain of custody of the evidence.
“Justice was served today. There is failure to establish that they are guilty beyond reasonable doubt because they violated the chain of custody rule. It should not have been broken,” lawyer Felisberto Verano said.
The “chain of custody” refers to the requirement under the law that should be followed regarding the movement of the seized illegal drugs from seizure to presentation in court and then destruction.
PDEA arrested the two as well as another Alabang boy Joseph Tecson in 2008. Brodett was arrested in Ayala Alabang subdivision in Muntinlupa along with Jorge Joseph. Joseph Tecson was arrested in a separate operation in Araneta Center in Quezon City.
They were charged with violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
They became controversial after the DoJ dismissed the case against them due to lapses committed by PDEA in conducting the raid. PDEA accused the DoJ prosecutors of accepting bribery prompting the Office of the President to do its own review of the case and eventually file a case against the Alabang boys in court.
Tecson’s case is being heard before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. Tetch Torres, INQUIRER.net
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Tags: Crime , Illegal drugs , Judiciary (Systems of Justice) , Police , Prosecution
