Lagman asks why the delayed report on Remulla son arrest; Barbers says resignation calls unfair

While Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla need not resign from his post over the arrest of his son Juanito Jose Remulla III for alleged drug trafficking, he should explain the delayed announcement of the arrest, opposition leader Representative Edcel Lagman said on Friday.

Lagman was referring to the arrest of Remulla's eldest son Juanito by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in connection with a parcel allegedly containing P1.3 million worth of "kush" or marijuana.

Authorities intercepted the parcel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"As long as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla does not interfere in the investigation, prosecution, and/or adjudication of the reported drug offense of his son Juanito Jose Remulla III, there is no reason for him to resign on account of his son’s offense," Lagman, who also serves as the Liberal Party President, said in a statement.

"While we cannot choose our relatives, we can choose not to intervene on their behalf for violation of the law. Secretary Remulla must be held to his handwritten undertaking that he would allow justice to take its course," Lagman added.

Lagman, however, clarified it would be a totally different matter if Remulla denied the patent culpability of a relative or ancestor.

"The Remulla family must explain why it took almost two days for them to reveal or disclose the capture and detention of the Remulla scion for the alleged importation of P1.3 million worth of kush or hybrid marijuana," Lagman added.

Out of order

Meanwhile, House Dangerous Drugs panel Chairperson and Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers said calls for Remulla to resign were unfair.

"Hindi naman dapat kasi. Nagtatrabaho, efficient ang trabaho ng ating Secretary of Justice. Hindi naman related sa kapalpakan niya o may nagawa siyang hindi maganda," Barbers told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

(Calls for him to resign are improper because he is doing his job well. It does not involve him messing up or doing something bad.)

"To call on him to resign is out of order and should be ignored," Barbers added.

Barbers also said that Remulla's 2019 statement likening illegal drug traders to cockroaches that need to be exterminated was not contrary to Remulla's recent comment in which he wished his arrested son a "path to redemption."

In 2019, a then Cavite Representative Remulla said on CNN Philippines that he backed a proposal to impose the death penalty on drug-related and other heinous crimes.

"You look at the situation on the ground... drugs are being run from the jails, there is no stopping it unless you put an end to many of them. These personalities are so pernicious, are like cockroaches that survive all throughout. You really have to put an end to the way they malinger and wreak havoc in the society," Remulla had said.

"The Secretary made the comments in the context of the drug lords continuing their illegal drug trade even when they are already inside the jail," explained Barbers. "I agree with the Secretary [in that context.]. I guess, they are even worse than a cockroach."

Barbers then said the Remulla family should be given the space to deal with their family's problems at this time.

"It is a predicament for the family, and we should just respect the decision of the father. Hindi biro ang may ganitong problema sa pamilya. The drug menace is really destroying people's loved ones and families, so we really need to fight illegal drugs," Barbers added.

National Union Party

In their statement, Remulla's party mates at the National Union Party (NUP) vouched for the Justice Secretary.

"The NUP continues to express its support for Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, vice chairman of the Party, during this difficult period. We have known Secretary Remulla for years. His professionalism and love of country is unparalleled," said the NUP.

"We also commend Secretary Remulla for promptly assuring authorities that he will not, in any way, interfere in or influence the case of his son," the NUP added.

Furthermore, the NUP said that Remulla was a patriotic citizen and would always place the national interest above his personal ties.

"As a principled man, we know that Secretary Remulla will always uphold the rule of law. We know that he will let justice take its course," the NUP said.

The NUP's statement was signed by its Chairman, Representative Ronaldo Puno of Antipolo, and President, Representative LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur. — DVM, GMA News