Remulla reiterates fair probe vs. VP Sara

FILE: Vice President Sara Duterte briefed senators on proposed 2025 budget of the Office of Vice President (OVP). For next year, the OVP is seeking a budget of P2.037 billion, which will be allotted to personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses, and capital outlay. (Photo: Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate Social Media Unit via Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday assured anew that prosecutors will neither be swayed nor affected in any way by politics and lobby groups in their handling of the investigation against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Remulla made the assurance to downplay speculations that there may be complications arising from Duterte’s intentions to consider running in the 2028 elections.

“It’s not an issue. The issue is whether or not a criminal act was committed. Syempre (Of course), we have to look at it from the merit standpoint — the merits of the case or cases,” he told reporters in a chance interview.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is assessing the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Duterte’s supposed “kill threat” against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In a Palace press briefing Monday, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said prosecutors were reviewing the NBI report and assessing whether the pieces of evidence gathered were enough to trigger a deeper investigation.

Remulla also assured that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) National Day of Prayer rally would not influence the investigation.

“I don’t think so kasi (because) we just have to look at the law as something that equalizes everything between all of us. That’s why we cannot give special favors to people because of standing,” he said.

On the other hand, he said, the administration recognizes and respects the freedom of religious groups to express themselves.

“I’m not concerned about that because it is their freedom to express themselves and we respect that freedom. We regard that freedom zealously,” he added.

Case of ex-PCSO official

Remulla, meanwhile, said former police official Royina Garma has secured legal representation in the United States.

Garma was arrested in California on Nov. 7, 2024 and is being detained in the US under the Magnitsky Act for possible money laundering and human rights violation.

A key aide of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Garma has made key admissions before Congress on the alleged systematic killing of suspected protectors of drug lords during the previous administration’s war on drugs.

“She has not made bail. But she has lawyered up already in the US,” Remulla said, adding that the former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office official is possibly seeking political asylum.

“I think so (Garma seeking asylum). But I doubt it dahil (because) it’s really an ill-advised move on her part to go there because she was already in the money laundering list of the US, even before she arrived there and she still went there.”

Remulla said US authorities have all the information about what’s happening in the Philippines, and there is a chance for Garma to be extradited to the country.

“We expect her to be returned here. But of course, the US has an interest in it because in money laundering cases, they forfeit the proceeds of the crime,” he said.

He noted that under American law, up to half of the laundered asset would be confiscated in favor of the US government.

“Alam natin na (We know) it’s a fruit of a crime and she’s a wanted person in the Philippines, at least for the assets of Garma that are in the US, which consists of houses and a bank account,” Remulla said.

“There’s nothing to request (for extradition yet) because there’s no formal note on her status. Once we receive communication, then it starts the ball rolling.”