SOJ Remulla: Mastermind in missing sabungeros case has money to infiltrate courts

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday warned that the possible mastermind in the missing sabungeros case may have the money to infiltrate even Philippine courts.

“Ang bigat ng kalaban dito kasi ang pera niyan makakapasok ‘yan hanggang even sa judiciary. That’s one thing that we might have to talk to the Chief Justice about,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(The enemy here is powerful because that money can reach even the judiciary. That’s one thing we might have to talk to the Chief Justice about.)

“Kasi mabigat. Mabigat ang pera ng e-sabong. Hindi ito basta-basta,” he added.

(Because it’s heavy. E-sabong money carries a lot of weight. This isn’t something to take lightly.)

Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting declined to comment on the matter

“We are unable to comment at this time, as we have yet to meet with the SOJ regarding this matter,” she said in a message to reporters.

Remulla refused to divulge the identity of the possible mastermind, saying authorities are still conducting case build up.

Last week, four years after 34 sabungeros went missing in various parts of the Philippines, an accused claimed that the bodies have been buried in Taal Lake.

According to Remulla, the government is seeking assistance from the Japanese government for equipment in retrieving the bodies of the missing sabungeros.

He said that the retrieval operations have not yet started.—AOL, GMA Integrated News