Julian Ongpin—Photo Courtesy of Philippine National Police-PRO1
MANILA, Philippines — Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Friday said the dismissal of the drug charges against the son of billionaire tycoon and Marcos-era trade minister Roberto Ongpin should “put to rest” the legal issue.
Escudero, who is seeking a return to the Senate in the May 2022 elections, urged the parties involved to respect the Nov. 15 order of a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Fernando City, La Union, that jettisoned the complaint for drug possession against art patron Julian Ongpin.
Presiding Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. of San Fernando RTC Branch 27 dismissed the case due to the failure of the police to observe the chain of custody in the seizure of 12.6 grams of cocaine from the hostel room that Ongpin and his girlfriend, painter Breanna Jonson, had rented on the day she died on Sept. 18.
Ongpin, who tested positive for drug use, was released from police detention after two days upon the order of a local prosecutor despite facing a nonbailable offense.
“The dismissal of the case due to noncompliance with [the] strict provision of the law, should put the issue to rest,” said Escudero, a lawyer who is regarded by the elder Ongpin as a “dear friend.”
“I will continue to pray for the families and parties affected so that they may find peace,” he added.