A LAWYER and DZMM host for the evening program “Usapang de Campanilla,” together with her partner, client and secretary, underwent inquest proceedings Wednesday morning for multiple charges of slander by deed, direct assault and obstruction of justice filed against them by a Manila policewoman.
Lawyer Clarissa “Claire” Castro, 46, who introduced herself to reporters as an employee of ABS-CBN and appeared only as legal counsel, allegedly went hysterical on Tuesday evening at the Manila Police District (MPD)-Women and Children’s Desk while questioning the legality of the arrest of her client Tuesday afternoon.
READ: DZMM host detained at MPD for turning hysterical
Castro was detained at the MPD-Women’s Desk, together with her partner and businessman Charlton Seechung, 48, and secretary Jonalyn Montoya, 33, for shouting and pushing case investigator PO3 Marlyn Remetio and other policemen who came to pacify her.
Remetio said Castro was allegedly slandering her, pushing policemen, and pulling her client away from the MPD’s Women and Child’s Desk, in a bid to bring him home.
Around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Castro’s client Jackson Chua, Jr., 31, was arrested by six MPD operatives after an entrapment operation at SM San Lazaro. The operation was launched after Chua’s ex-girlfriend Ricamarie Taylor, 30, filed a complaint and sought the assistance of the MPD-Women’s desk regarding the alleged abduction of their 6-year-old son.
Taylor, according to a police report, told Remetio that Chua would return the child only if she would have sex with him, prompting the Women’s desk to launch an entrapment operation for Chua.
Chua, detained at the same facility, faces charges of abduction, illegal detention and resisting arrest and violation of RA 9262 or Violence Against Women And Children Act of 2004.
Remetio said this was the fourth time in September that Taylor complained to the police. “The entrapment operation is legal even without the warrant of arrest as it falls under the exemptions of the law aimed at preventing a future crime,” she added.
Castro, in an interview with reporters, denied the allegations of Taylor and said the story was just made up. Taylor, she said, was asking Chua to pay the former’s credit card debt amounting to P400,000.
There was also no kidnapping, Castro said, as Chua and Taylor have an agreement that the child will be under Chua’s custody since she is always out of the country. The agreement, however, was illegal, according to Remetio, as the law grants the custody of minors to the mother.
Castro said they will file counter charges of illegal detention, and unlawful arrest of Chua against the MPD policemen.
Furious counsel
Around 6 p.m. Tuesday, Castro went to MPD, appearing as counsel of Chua, who, she said, was arrested without a warrant of arrest.
Castro (shown in the video) was shouting, pushing policemen and pulling her client away from the MPD’s Women and Child’s Desk.
“Walang warrant, sir, kinakaladkad sa SM Mall-San Lazaro. Walang complaint. Walang ginagawa sa SM Mall para arestuhin,” she shouted.
(There is no warrant, sir, but he was dragged at SM Mall-San Lazaro. There is no complaint. He is doing nothing at SM Mall to be arrested.)
Castro said her client received a text from Taylor asking him for a meet-up to talk about their child. “Jackson (Chua) was arrested while doing nothing,” she said, asking randomly if the arrest was a frame-up.
Castro added the arrest was unlawful because the case was only formally filed Tuesday evening.
“Is it a sin to defend my client? Sir, Pasensya na po talaga,” she said.
(Is it a sin to defend my client? Sir, I’m really sorry.)
“Kasalanan mo ang sinisigaw-sigawan mo ako,” Remetrio, who was with the complainant reportedly an airline employee, responded.
(Your fault is that you’re yelling at me.)
Because of the commotion, Remetrio sought the help of policemen to pacify Castro. Supt. Dennis Wagas, MPD chief of the Legal Division, also came to pacify and explain to her the procedures and details of the arrest.
Castro and the three others underwent medico-legal examination and inquest Wednesday morning.
“We are ready to face any issue she will file against us. If we will fear those charges, nothing will happen to our law,” Remetio said.
“Siya (Castro) lang ang namumukod-tangi na gumawa ng eksena at nambastos sa police officer,” Remetio said.
(She is the only person who made a scene and slandered the policemen.)
Castro hosts “Usapang de Campanilla,” a radio evening program that gives legal advice to listeners.