FILE PHOTO: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. Photo from Senate PRIB
MANILA, Philippines — Several senators have expressed support for Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, whose son was arrested for allegedly importing at least P1.3 million worth of kush.
In separate statements, Senators Robin Padilla and JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian vouched for Remulla.
“Ako ay nasa likod ni Secretary Boying Remulla sa pagsubok na kanyang pinagdaraanan. Bilang ama, naiintindihan ko po ang pagdurugo ng kanyang puso at tibay ng kanyang dibdib,” Padilla said, noting that the mistakes of the son are not the father’s faults.
(I stand behind Secretary Boying Remulla amid this challenge he is going through. As a father, I understand his pain and his courage.)
Ejercito likewise said he believes in Remulla’s principles and character.
“Knowing Sec. Boying Remulla for three decades, I know he will not tolerate this even if [it’s] his son who is involved.”
“Iba ang prinsipyo ni Sec. Boying. Kilala ko ang taong ito. I know his character and his dedication to public service,” the senator stressed.
(Sec. Boying has principles. I know this person.)
Gatchalian, quoting a bible verse, said that public officials should be judged on their own actions.
“To borrow the bible verse, ‘I am not my brother’s keeper’ stands on all fours in the current family situation of Sec. Remulla.
“In my humble opinion, calls for the resignation of Sec. Remulla after the apprehension of his adult son is uncalled for, unjust and without basis. I firmly believe that all public servants should be judged on their own merits, on their work performance and not on what other people (even if related to them) do, most especially in this case a 38-year-old adult,” he said, lauding the chief’s efforts to improve the Department of Justice.
Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, said Remulla’s statement on the matter is “self-evident.”
“I think the handwritten note and statement of Secretary Remulla is self-evident. Wala na po akong madadagdag du’n (I have nothing to add),” she said in a forum.
In a handwritten note, Remulla said his 38-year-old son would have to face the mess he is in as he is already an adult.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for his part, said that calls for Remulla’s resignation have “no basis.”