MANILA, Philippines – Anti-narcotics authorities welcomed on Monday a court decision to deny bail for 2 of the so-called “Alabang Boys” who were caught in a drug buy-bust operation in late 2009.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago said the decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 in Muntinlupa City is a “positive turn” in favor of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
He thanked RTC Branch 204 Judge Juanita Guerrero for denying the bail petition of Richard Santos Brodett and Jorge Jordan Joseph.
"This is another partial victory for the national anti-drug campaign. We are likewise grateful to the City Prosecutor's Office of Muntinlupa City, represented by Assistant City Prosecutors Agripino C. Baybay III and Dale Liban for competently presenting our case in court,” Santiago said in a press statement.
“The PDEA Legal and Prosecution Service under Atty. Alvaro B. Lazaro will continue to work hand-in-hand with the prosecutors to ensure a complete victory in this legal battle.”
Brodett, Joseph, and Joseph Ramirez Tecson are facing criminal charges for violating section 5, in relation to section 26 (b) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165.
He said the PDEA is also closely monitoring the motion for reconsideration on Tecson’s petition for bail that is pending before RTC Branch 227 in Quezon City under Judge Elvira Panganiban.
Judge Jaime Salazar had denied Tecson’s bail petition on July 2.
"We are propelled by the fact that we stand on solid moral ground in these cases. While they are far from over, we commit to remain steadfast and vigilant in performing our mandate in support of the prosecution and as the country's lead organization in drug law enforcement,” Santiago said.
