Prosecutor faces contempt in drug case
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:08:00 01/07/2009
Filed Under: PDEA-DOJ bribery issue, Congress, Illegal drugs
MANILA, Philippines -- A state prosecutor that dismissed the controversial drug case against three suspects reportedly belonging to prominent families has been scolded by lawmakers at the House of Representatives and was asked to “show cause why he should not be cited in contempt.”
Cebu Representative Antonio Cuenco made the motion to cite lawyer John Resado in contempt "for deliberately lying" and for "trifling with the committee and pulling our legs," referring to the committee on dangerous drugs that was investigating allegations of bribery on justice and anti-narcotics officials by people seeking the release of the suspects.
Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez seconded Cuenco’s motion.
The panel grilled Resado for releasing the resolution dismissing the case against Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph, and Joseph Tecson when it was up for automatic review.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez told the House panel that the resolution should not have been released to the lawyer of the suspects.
"It will give false hopes to the parties that they are now entitled to be released . . ." Gonzalez said.
Resado argued that there was nothing in the DOJ circular number 46 that stated that they were prohibited from releasing the resolution.
"The law on common sense states that while a review is necessary, how the secretary of justice can review the case when the subjects are already in the US," Golez said.
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