DOJ to probe alleged irregularities in 119-kilo drug case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said it will conduct an investigation on the alleged irregularities in handling of the 2003 drug case involving 119 kilograms of shabu.

This came after the Supreme Court acquitted two individuals in the case due to “multiple errors” on the side of the police authorities and the prosecution.

The High Court also stressed that one of the accused was only penalized by the regional trial court with 12 years jail period instead of life imprisonment.

“We will thoroughly study the decision and we will probe no kung anong nangyari doon dahil it is incumbent doon sa prosecutor na i-appeal ‘yung ganoong irregularity,” Justice spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said in an interview.

(We will thoroughly study the decision and we will probe what happened because it is incumbent upon the prosecutor to appeal such an irregularity.)

“Especially na ang trabaho po ng prosecutor ay i-convict sa tamang penalty kung ang na-rule ng judge ay mas mababa sa inexpect niya or doon sa tama then he is expected to appeal the decision,” he added.

(Especially since the prosecutor’s job is to convict and mete out the right penalty. If the ruling of the judge is lower than expected, he is expected to appeal the decision.)

Clavano said the Justice department received the decision earlier today.

Meanwhile, he said the decision of the Supreme Court is a reminder for law enforcement and Justice personnel to comply with the chain of custody.

He said this may be achieved through Department Circular 20, which allows prosecutors to join cops and agents in building up cases.—LDF, GMA Integrated News