Palace: ‘Judiciary fixer’ using name of Duterte kin to influence cases

Malacañang on Monday accused the husband of a former daughter-in-law of President Rodrigo Duterte of using the name of the chief executive's granddaughter in a case-fixing scheme.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque did not mention the name even as he  appealed to the justices, judges and the general public not to transact with the man, saying the President does not sanction such illegal practice.

"Wala pong otoridad ang taong 'yan or kahit sino man na maging fixer. Ang presidente po ay napakatagal naging piskal; hindi po 'yan kinokonsinte ng presidente," Roque said, adding cases should be decided based on merit

Roque also said criminal cases will be filed against the man if he will continue with the illegal racket.

Duterte has three children with his former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman: Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, former Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte, and Sebastian. The President also has a daughter, Veronica, with common-law partner Honeylet Avanceña.

Paolo was married to Lovelie Sangkola with whom he has three children, namely, Rodrigo II, Omar Vincent, and Isabelle, who graduated from senior high school last week. 

Paolo and Lovelie's marriage was dissolved by a Sharia court, which observes Islamic law, in 2006.

Sangkola went on to marry RJ Sumera while Paolo is now the husband of January Navares, the latter's longtime girlfriend.

Roque also urged members of the judiciary to report to Malacañang the activities of the alleged fixer. —KBK, GMA News