Lawyer to question Arroyo review of dismissed drug cases

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer of two of the three so-called Alabang Boys on Friday said he will question before the courts the legality of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's impending review of dismissed drug cases. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo quoted lawyer Felisberto Verano Jr. as saying that a review by the President of dismissed drug cases is illegal and constitutes as an abuse of authority. Verano, who serves as counsel for drug suspects Richard Brodett and Joseph Tecson, made the statement during the resumption of the hearing of the Palace-formed fact-finding panel on the controversy, the report said. The lawyer said he will also oppose the Brodett family's testifying at the hearing because their testimonies are "immaterial" to the allegations that Department of Justice (DOJ) officials were bribed into dismissing the case against the suspects. For his part, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) spokesperson Derrick Carreon said President Arroyo's move is a good development that is needed in order to show her power as the country's anti-drug czar. However, Carreon said a review of dismissed drug cases by the President herself would not have been necessary had the DOJ paid more attention to the handling of drug cases. Last January 29, President Arroyo issued Administrative Order No. 253 which says drug cases should be submitted to her office for immediate review within five days after dismissal as the drug menace "poses imminent danger to the public interest and safety." - GMANews.TV