No political gimmick, De Lima says of appeal

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday denied suggestions that the Department of Justice had sought a nearly-impossible reversal of the acquittal of two of the so-called “Alabang Boys” in order to buoy her alleged political ambition.

“Every time I open my mouth, they accuse me of either grandstanding or electioneering,” De Lima lamented to reporters. “Maybe you should not ask me questions anymore so I don’t have to talk.”

On Thursday, De Lima presided over a meeting of officials who actively participated in the arrest and prosecution of Joseph Tecson, Richard Brodett and George Joseph, collectively known as “Alabang Boys” who were charged with drug trafficking.

At the meeting, the justice secretary said, she agreed to file a motion seeking to overturn the decision of Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Judge Juanito Guerrero clearing Brodett and Joseph of drug charges.

Tecson, who was arrested in a separate buy-bust operation in Quezon City in September 2008, is still undergoing trial in a Quezon City court.