MANILA, Philippines—The testimony of an uncle and a cousin implicating Richard Brodett Jr. in illegal drugs lends credence to the buy-bust operation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against him and two other young men, according to a lawmaker.

Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez said the statements of Dave Brodett and his son Anthony against Richard were favorable to the PDEA, even if they may not necessarily be used as evidence.

Dave and Anthony told Wednesday’s hearing of the House committee on dangerous drugs that Richard used and sold drugs, and that his mother Myra joined him in using illegal substances.

An emotional Dave, a former basketball player and actor, said he was speaking out to clear the Brodett family name, which he said was being sullied by his nephew’s activities.

“Their revelation is useful in assessing the character of the dramatis personae, not as evidence, but it helps in assessing the credibility of the PDEA operation,” Golez said at the Serye forum in Quezon City.

Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco also said Dave’s and Anthony’s testimony was “very credible” because they were speaking out against their own family and interest.

“It is an admission of high probative value. I believe him 100 percent,” Cuenco said.

Parañaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita also believes Dave does not think the former basketball player was lying.

Drug suspects Richard and Jorge Joseph were arrested in September in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, for peddling illegal drugs. Hours later Joseph Tecson was arrested at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

Brodett, Joseph and Tecson were arrested by operatives of PDEA’s Special Enforcement Service led by Maj. Ferdinand Marcelino.

Rare breed

House Speaker Prospero Nograles joined the chorus of those praising Marcelino and recommended that the PDEA take steps to ensure his safety.

“Major Marcelino is a rare breed of soldier. Unlike others who choose to attack and destroy the government on the basis of some allegations, Major Marcelino decided to work with the system in order to correct what is wrong with our government institutions,” Nograles said in a statement.