VACC files disbarment case vs ‘Alabang Boys’ lawyer at SC

(Updated 12:35 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – An anti-crime group on Thursday filed before the Supreme Court a disbarment complaint against lawyer Felisberto Verano Jr., counsel for two of the so-called Alabang Boys. A radio report said the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) chair Dante Jimenez said Verano committed a "breach in the Code of Conduct for Lawyers" in drafting the release order for Richard Brodett, Joseph Tecson, and Jorge Joseph from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) custody. Another report on dzBB radio quoted Jimenez as saying that it is time to end the "dirty tactics" of Verano in drafting a release order. The VACC chair cited Verano's unauthorized use of the Department of Justice (DOJ) letterhead for drafting the order. Also, the group included in its complaint news clippings of Verano's admission of his in drafting the order. The VACC also pointed out it is qualified to lodge a complaint against Verano because many of its members are victims of drug-related crimes. Aside from the VACC, the PDEA and the Citizens Crime Watch (CCW) have earlier expressed intent to lodge disbarment complaints against Verano. The CCW said it will file the complaint before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Grounds for disbarment Verano came under fire for drafting a release order for Joseph Tecson, Richard Brodett and Jorge Joseph, which was forwarded to Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez for signature. Only Justice officials are authorized to do such task. Gonzalez did not sign the order, saying he has yet review the resolution recommending the dismissal of the drug case against the suspects. Verano earlier justified his move by saying that he was only making it easier for Gonzalez should he decide to order the release of the suspects who were arrested September 2008. Verano also explained that the drafting of a release order was not an attempt to influence Gonzalez into ordering the liberty of the three suspects held by PDEA supposedly for peddling high-end drugs. At the House committee on dangerous drugs hearing Wednesday, Gonzalez said Verano’s move may be ethically questionable. “This is the first time I have encountered this. I believe there is some ethical issue here." For his part, CCW head Jose Malvar Villegas supported Gonzalez, saying Verano may be held liable for "conduct unbecoming of a member of the bar and unethical practice." - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV