Aguirre: Dismissal of raps vs. Peter Lim, Kerwin Espinosa not yet final

The dismissal of the drug trading charges against businessman Peter Lim, self-confessed drug distributor Kerwin Espinosa and other drug personalities by a panel of state prosecutors is not yet final, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Tuesday.

In a statement, Aguirre said: "Suffice it to say that the current status of the case against the respondents Peter Lim et al., does not mean that it is a final exoneration of their respective criminal liabilities."  

He refrained from making further comment on the matter since it is subject for his automatic review.

"Procedurally, my office has no hand nor say on the resolution of this case," he said.

"Under our present procedure in the DOJ, there are possible avenues to review this case, either by a motion for reconsideration or ultimately, by way of automatic review by my office," he added.

Charges against Lim, Espinosa, convicted drug lord Peter Co, and other personalities were dismissed on December 20 last year over what prosecutors said was due to weak evidence. 

In his statement, Aguirre said described the dismissal as a "slight bump" in the government's war on drugs.

"The dismissal is a slight bump on the war against drugs. It is likewise a wake up to all concerned that our efforts, from apprehension to resolution to conviction must be concerted and thorough," he said.

"However, we remain committed to waging the war on drugs," he said.

Senators have scored the dismissal, with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV saying the exoneration is proof that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is carrying out a "fake drug war."

Thousands have died in the government's crackdown against illegal drugs, earning criticism from human rights groups in the Philippines and abroad. — RSJ, GMA News