‘Free detainees cleared of drug charges’

The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the release of all detainees cleared of drug charges before the prosectors’ office.

In a recent circular, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said complainants can still avail of the automatic review on acquittals or dismissals of illegal drug complaints.

However, De Lima deemed it proper to release prisoners cleared of drug charges pending review by the DOJ.

“The issuance underscores the DOJ’s commitment to improve the administration of justice by providing a just, speedy and effective means to resolve illegal drugs cases and respecting human rights,” De Lima said.

DOJ Circular No. 12 is aimed at addressing the problem of delay in the disposition of drug-related cases and the prolonged detention of drug suspects while maintaining the process of automatic review.

Under the circular, the automatic review shall be “without prejudice to the right of the respondent to be immediately released from detention pending automatic review, unless the respondent is detained for other causes.”

Before, a person cleared of drug charges before the prosecutors’ office could not be released from detention until the dismissal of his or her drug case is affirmed on automatic review. /Ador Vincent S. Mayol