Julian Ongpin appeals to dismiss complaint, arrest over drug possession

MANILA, Philippines — Julian Ongpin, scion of businessman Roberto Ongpin, appealed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the complaint and arrest against him for drug possession.

In a petition for review released by the DOJ on Sunday, Dennis Manalo, the counsel of Ongpin, asked that the October 18 resolution be “REVERSED and SET ASIDE and that the Affidavit-Complaint and Arrest against Respondent-Appellant Julian S. Ongpin for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 be DISMISSED.”

The same petition for review also asked for the withdrawal of information filed before the La Union Regional Trial Court and that the Precautionary Hold Departure Order against the young Ongpin be lifted.

On October 18, the DOJ indicted Ongpin for possessing cocaine.

According to Manalo, “the panel had no evidence to support its findings that” Ongpin was in possession of cocaine.

“The argument of respondent Ongpin that complainant was not able to show sufficient proof that he was in possession of the illegal drugs is misplaced. Respondent Ongpin further argued that since the owner of the illegal drugs which were found inside a black pouch was not properly identified, there is no basis to allude the ownership of said drugs to him,” the petition read.

They also argued that the “panel ignored the gross and substantial violation of Section 21” of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“The evidence relied upon by the Panel does not establish probable cause that Respondent-Appellant was in possession of the Subject Drugs,” the document stated.

Ongpin has also been tagged as a person of interest in the controversial death of artist Breanna “Bree” Jonson who was found unconscious in a hostel room in La Union on September 18.

He claimed that Jonson committed suicide which was disputed by the painter’s family.

je/MUF