MANILA, Philippines — The son of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who has been tagged in the importation of at least P1.3 million worth of kush or high-grade marijuana has pleaded not guilty to drug possession charges, one of his lawyers said.
Former Quezon City congressman and lawyer Jose Christopher “Kit” Belmonte confirmed in a text message that he is one of the lawyers of Juanito Remulla III and that the arraignment for the drug possession case was held on Friday.
When asked if the younger Remulla pleaded not guilty, Belmonte said, “Yes.”
Juanito was arrested last October 11 after he was found in possession of around a kilogram of kush — a hybrid of the marijuana plant — estimated to be worth more than P1.3 million. The arrest happened after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a controlled delivery operation.
Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III
READ: Son of DOJ chief Remulla arrested for involvement in alleged kush importation
Last Wednesday, November 2, it was reported that Juanito already attended the preliminary investigation on the drug complaints filed against him.
READ: DOJ chief Remulla’s son attends preliminary probe on drug raps
Earlier, Juanito’s father, Justice Secretary Remulla, repeatedly assured the public that he would not interfere in the case, noting that his son would have to face the consequences of his actions.
READ: DOJ chief Remulla to let son face the consequences for P1.3 million kush importation
Remulla’s non-involvement in the case was corroborated by the Pasay City Prosecutor’s office, saying there have been no attempts to intervene when they filed the complaints against Juanito.
READ: Remulla III case: Prosecutor’s office strictly off-limits, even to DOJ chief
Many netizens and activists have called for Remulla’s resignation as justice secretary, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and several lawmakers backed Remulla, saying that there is no basis to sack him.
READ: Bongbong Marcos rejects calls for Remulla to resign