Family feud unearthed in ‘Alabang Boys’ drug case

MANILA, Philippines – The bribery issue on the drug case of the “Alabang Boys" turned uglier Thursday as it uncovered a lingering family feud on the part of one of the three young suspects. In an interview with GMA News’ Kara David aired over "24 Oras," Butch and Myra Brodett, parents of Richard, said that dispute over money was the reason why Dave Brodett and his family were accusing them of being drug addicts. Dave and his son Anthony appeared before the House committee on dangerous drugs Wednesday and accused Myra of tolerating her son’s drug habits. They said they decided to face the panel because their name is being tarnished by the drug controversy. In the TV report, Myra denied the allegation, saying it is connected to the fifteen-year-old feud between her husband and brother-in-law Dave. "I don't use drugs. I don't sell drugs. Never," she said. Myra said the row started when her family stopped providing financial support to Dave’s family. She said they used to support Dave after his business went bankrupt by allowing him and his family to stay in a hotel they own in Makati for free. She added this is on top of the P80,000 monthly financial assistance being extended to them. Myra said they stopped providing the support after they discovered that Dave's family started harassing them over certain issues. She said carjacking and alarm and scandal complaints were filed against Dave and his family in Makati and Muntinlupa cities. GMA News was able to obtain a copy of the complaint filed against Dave and his family from Makati and Muntinlupa officials, the report said. Dave, in a separate interview, refused to comment on the complaints, but said he is not out for revenge against his brother. Butch, for his part, chided his brother for the accusations he hurled at the House hearing. "Kapatid kita. Lahat ng mga pamilya natin tumulong na sa ‘yo. Ito pa ba ang isusukli mo sa amin?" Butch said. [“You’re my brother. Everyone in the family has already helped you. Is this how you return the favor?"] Despite the accusations, Myra and Butch said they have already forgiven Dave and his family. Myra, however, pleaded that their son be spared. "I forgive them, I pray for them. This is the life of my son, please. Whatever it is, if you’re angry at me or Butch… please it’s the life of Tommy. It’s the life of my son. Please, I’m begging everybody," she said. Butch said he would let God be the judge in their conflict. "Bahala na ang Diyos sa atin. Ang Diyos ang mag huhusga [Let God be the judge]," he said. Dave’s wife, Marissa, said they came into public as the drug issue is already affecting their family. She also refuted the claims of Felisberto Verano, counsel for the two of the “Alabang Boys," that family feud was the motive behind their appearance. "Yan nga ho ang nakakalungkot dito. Wala hong katotohanan 'yan. In fact, may nadinig din kami sa isang TV interview na, sinasabi ni Verano na naiingat daw kami. Alam mo 'yung sitwasyon na 'yan di dapat kainggitan," Marissa said. [“This is saddening. There’s no truth in that. In fact, we heard Verano saying in some TV interview that we are envious of Myra and Butch. You know, their present situation is something that is not enviable."] - GMANews.TV