Court acquits couple in 2016 drug bust operation
MANILA, Philippines — A Pasig City court acquitted a radio DJ and her boyfriend for a 2016 case of possession and sale of illegal drugs filed against them, saying the arresting officers failed to comply with the “strict requirements” under the law, particularly the notification of a barangay official and media representative prior to the planned buy-bust operation.
The Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 151 acquitted Karen Bordador and Emilio Lim, a descendant of the founder of the Esla Group of Companies, for the charges filed against them.
Presiding Judge Maria Paz Reyes-Yson said in her 35-page decision released on June 14 that there was “reasonable doubt” on the guilt of both Lim and Bordador because witness statements showed “questions of credibility,” as the testimonies contradicted closed-circuit television footage presented in court.
Yson ordered the immediate release of the two suspects.
