PDEA EXPECTS CONVICTION OF ALABANG BOYS

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) expects the court to rule in favor of the government and order the conviction of the two Alabang Boys for violation of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, during the scheduled promulgation of the controversial case on Friday, August 26, 2011.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. said that the case against Richard S. Brodett and Jorge J. Joseph, are supported by concrete and air-tight evidence enough to prove them guilty in court. Brodett and Joseph were arrested by elements of the PDEA Special Enforcement Service (SES) in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa on September 20, 2008 after consecutive buy-bust operations. On the same date, Joseph Tecson, who completed the trio, was arrested in a follow-up operation conducted in Quezon City. The suspects collectively yielded 60 tablets of ecstasy, cocaine and marijuana.

The Alabang Boys are all members of prominent families. It will be recalled that the case of the Alabang Boys’, Brodett, Joseph together with another cohort, Joseph Tecson, stirred up controversies after the families of the accused allegedly used influence and money in an effort to have the suspects released before Christmas of 2008. There were also reports of attempts to bribe PDEA operatives.

The Department of Justice, from state prosecutors to the top officials, were questioned for apparent lapses and improprieties in handling the case. The resolution to release the Alabang Boys was issued by Prosecutor John Resado. Then Senior State Prosecutor Philip Kimpo recommended for its approval and was approved by then Chief State Prosecutor Jovencio Zuno.

The case of the Alabang Boys paved the way for the issuance of Administrative Order 253 in January 2009, directing the automatic review by the Office of the President on all decisions and resolutions involving the dismissal of drug cases. Congress and Senate hearings were likewise held “in aid of legislation”.

The case against Brodett and Joseph was tried in Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204, while the case against Tecson is separately being tried in Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 227.

Gutierrez revealed words are going around that efforts are being exerted by the family of the Alabang Boys to influence the decision of the court. However, Gutierrez is counting that the presiding judge, Hon. Juanita T. Guerrero of Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204, will decide on the merits of the case and consider the incriminating evidence presented against Brodett and Joseph.

“The PDEA is counting on a guilty verdict for Brodett and Joseph on Friday,” Gutierrez said. Evangeline DJ Almenario, Chief, Public Information Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency