Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla on Friday asserted that he did not interfere in the decision of the Las Piñas court to acquit his son from illegal drug possession charges amounting to Php 1.3 million.
“The court has already rendered a decision. I trusted the process. I wish my son further redemption in the future,” he told reporters in a chance interview.
Remulla said he felt relieved and happy as a Father.
"He had the right to be presumed innocent in the first place. I'm just glad that the justice system is in favor," he added.
His eldest son Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III was nabbed during anti-illegal drug operations in Las Piñas City in October last year.
On Friday, the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court Branch 197 absolved the younger Remulla, citing that there is no clear evidence that he "had freely, consciously, and with full knowledge possessed the alleged seized on drugs."
The court also said that the "identity of the dangerous drugs was not established beyond doubt."
The younger Remulla's acquittal drew criticisms online.
Progressive groups including Bayan Muna stated that the fast acquittal demonstrated the tragic reality that the country’s justice system caters to the privileged and powerful while it steps on the poor and vulnerable.
The Justice chief, meanwhile, said he would not press charges against the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) which arrested his son during the buy-bust operation.
"Wala. Let's be sobber about it. Nagkakamali talaga sila, nangyayari talaga iyan," he said.
"Hopefully, this dark chapter is over. Sana matapos na ang kalbaryo na ito. Sana huwag mangyari sa ibang tao," Remulla futher said.
