Edcel Lagman
MANILA, Philippines — Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman on Friday said there is no reason for Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to step down as Justice Secretary for as long as he will not interfere in the case of his son.
Juanito Jose Remulla III, a son of the Justice Secretary, was arrested on Oct. 11 during a controlled delivery of P1,304,800 worth of kush or hybrid marijuana. The report of his arrest was made public on Thursday.
READ: Son of DOJ chief Remulla arrested for involvement in alleged kush importation
Lagman, president of the opposition Liberal Party, was referring to calls for Remulla to resign from his post following the arrest of his son.
“As long as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla does not interfere in the investigation, prosecution, and/or adjudication of the reported drug offense of his son Juanito Jose Remulla III, there is no reason for him to resign on account of his son’s offense,” Lagman said in a statement.
“While we cannot choose our relatives, we can choose not to intervene on their behalf for violation of the law,” he added.
Lagman said that Remulla must stay true to his handwritten letter sent on Thursday, where he assured that his son will face the consequences of his actions. According to the Justice Secretary, while his love for his son may be unconditional, he would not intervene in any way.
Remulla was in Geneva, Switzerland when his son was arrested. The Justice Secretary attended the 136th session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
READ: DOJ chief Remulla to let son face consequences for P1.3 million kush importation
Meanwhile, Lagman said the Remulla family should explain why it took almost two days for them to confirm the arrest of the Justice Secretary’s son.
“Secretary Remulla must be held to his handwritten undertaking that he would allow justice to take its course. It is different when one covers up or denies the patent culpability of a relative or ancestor,” Lagman said.
“However, the Remulla family must explain why it took almost two days for them to reveal or disclose the capture and detention of the Remulla scion for the alleged importation of P1.3 million worth of kush or hybrid marijuana,” he added.
Aside from Lagman, several senators said Remulla must not resign, as they vouched for his principles. The senators said they are confident that the Justice Secretary will not tolerate his son’s actions.
READ: Some senators back Remulla despite quit calls over son’s link to kush import
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also said there was no basis for Remulla to resign from his Department of Justice post.
READ: Bongbong Marcos shuns calls for DOJ chief Remulla to quit: ‘No basis‘