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Advocates Philippines
Senators Rue Dismissal Of High Profile Drug Cases
Photo credit: Senate of the Philippines
In a hearing held Tuesday (May 16, 2023) by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, the committee's chairperson, asserted the committee's authority to conduct an inquiry into the P6.7-billion shabu (methamphetamine) haul seized in Manila in October 2022, which involved high-ranking police officers. Dela Rosa emphasized that the committee's investigation serves the purpose of legislation, despite a recent court-issued gag order that prohibits public discussion of the case.
"While we respect the gag order, this committee will continue to carry out its legislative function and exercise its power of inquiry, as provided in the 1987 Constitution," Dela Rosa stated during the hearing. He further highlighted that the Supreme Court itself has recognized and respected this constitutional provision, affirming the committee's mandate to investigate matters related to public order and dangerous drugs.
During the same hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed his frustration regarding the dismissal of high-profile drug cases on technical grounds. Tulfo emphasized that such dismissals, including the recent case involving the P6.7-billion shabu haul and the alleged involvement of high-ranking police officers, further tarnish the reputation of the entire law enforcement organization.
"It discourages our uniformed men from remaining dedicated to their duties and raises doubts about their integrity. Authorities must take responsibility for maintaining peace, order, and security. I sympathize with those honest officers who are faithfully serving the public, as their names are being dragged through the mud by a handful of unscrupulous policemen," Tulfo passionately stated in Filipino.
The dismissal of drug cases due to technicalities has been a subject of concern for various stakeholders, including lawmakers and the public. The impact of such dismissals goes beyond the immediate loss of potential convictions, as they erode public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies. Efforts to combat drug-related crimes and uphold the rule of law require both effective investigations and the fair administration of justice.
The Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs will continue its inquiry into the P6.7-billion shabu haul, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the case and propose legislative measures to strengthen the country's fight against dangerous drugs. With the power of inquiry granted by the Constitution, the committee seeks to ensure accountability, restore public trust, and promote the integrity of law enforcement agencies involved in the campaign against illegal drugs.
"While we respect the gag order, this committee will continue to carry out its legislative function and exercise its power of inquiry, as provided in the 1987 Constitution," Dela Rosa stated during the hearing. He further highlighted that the Supreme Court itself has recognized and respected this constitutional provision, affirming the committee's mandate to investigate matters related to public order and dangerous drugs.
During the same hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed his frustration regarding the dismissal of high-profile drug cases on technical grounds. Tulfo emphasized that such dismissals, including the recent case involving the P6.7-billion shabu haul and the alleged involvement of high-ranking police officers, further tarnish the reputation of the entire law enforcement organization.
"It discourages our uniformed men from remaining dedicated to their duties and raises doubts about their integrity. Authorities must take responsibility for maintaining peace, order, and security. I sympathize with those honest officers who are faithfully serving the public, as their names are being dragged through the mud by a handful of unscrupulous policemen," Tulfo passionately stated in Filipino.
The dismissal of drug cases due to technicalities has been a subject of concern for various stakeholders, including lawmakers and the public. The impact of such dismissals goes beyond the immediate loss of potential convictions, as they erode public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies. Efforts to combat drug-related crimes and uphold the rule of law require both effective investigations and the fair administration of justice.
The Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs will continue its inquiry into the P6.7-billion shabu haul, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the case and propose legislative measures to strengthen the country's fight against dangerous drugs. With the power of inquiry granted by the Constitution, the committee seeks to ensure accountability, restore public trust, and promote the integrity of law enforcement agencies involved in the campaign against illegal drugs.
May 16, 2023
