Cousin to represent young Remulla

The Remulla family has tapped a cousin-lawyer to represent Juanito Jose D. Remulla III in the illegal drug case filed by the police.

This was disclosed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla who stood firm on his stand that he will not meddle in the case of his 38-year-old son.

The elder Remulla said he made sure that his son's lawyer has no dealings with the Department of Justice.

Earlier, Remulla advised against filing before his office a petition for review on the illegal drugs case filed against his son.

Under the rules, resolutions of city prosecutors may be appealed to the Office of the Secretary of Justice for review.

"Face it in court. Don't let it reach me," Remulla said.

He said the lawyer of his son knows that the case shouldn't reach him therefore it should be filed directly before the court.

The justice secretary said he remains focused on his job.

During an online interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna, Remulla recounted what transpired the day his son was arrested.

"It was Tuesday morning when I received the call from my wife and what I told her was to get a lawyer for our son because it is important for him to get a lawyer. Hanggang doon lamang po tayo at hindi ako makikialam sa kaso," Remulla said.

He said it was 9 in the morning in Geneva and 11:30 a.m. in the Philippines when he received the call while he and his team were preparing a presentation before the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"We have to block the situation and stay focused on the job for our country to enlighten the United Nations Human Rights Council about the human rights situation in our country," Remulla said.

He said that he has to live by the day as he is fulfilling the heavy job for the sake of the country.

"Siguro I was built for this job as I have encountered so many problems as a professional, politician, and son of a politician and I cannot summon others but me. Matatapos din yan bigyan na lamang ng panahon at tamang oras."

Remulla stressed he cannot lose his mind about the matter as maturity must be shown on this matter.

He has repeatedly declared that he will neither meddle nor influence the outcome of the drug cases that his son is facing.

Juanito was arrested by agents of the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group last Tuesday, 11 October in Las Piñas City where a parcel of marijuana kush (a high-grade variety) worth about P1.25 million was seized from him.

The information (criminal charge sheet), filed last Friday, 14 October by the Las Piñas City prosecutor's office before the regional trial court, states:

"That on or about the 11th day of October 2022, in the City of Las Piñas, Philippines, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above-named accused, without being authorized by law, did then and there, willfully, unlawfully and knowingly have in his possession, custody, and control, one (1) brown paper parcel with bubble wrap, containing two (2) tape-sealed transparent plastic bag, each containing four three seven point nine three (437.93) grams; and four five point nine eight (455) grams, both with a total weight of eight nine three-point nine one (893.91) grams of Cannabis (Marijuana), a dangerous drug."

Probe set in Pasay City

The preliminary investigation on the charge of importation of illegal drugs against Juanito will be handled by Pasay City prosecutor's office, according to DoJ's prosecutor general Benedicto A. Malcontento.