PDEA's chief legal counsel laments personal attacks

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) chief legal counsel yesterday expressed disappointment over how the legal issues over the “Alabang Boys” drug case has become personal.

Lawyer Alvaro Alvaro said the supposed personal issues that erupted between government agencies and PDEA are “not only unfair to the people involved but also to the public.”

Lazaro had figured in a tussle with State Prosecutor John Lesado who had accused him of offering a bribe to drop the case against the “Alabang Boys,” Richard Brodett, Joseph Tecson and Jorge Joseph, scions of wealthy families who were charged for drug trafficking.

“The legal issue has become personal. The issue turned between Resado and me. The issue was diverted with all demons and (those) in hell watching us if the illegal drug business would emerge the winner,” he said.

Lazaro said the Department of Justice (DOJ) should focus on more important matters like the issue surrounding the continued detention of the three Alabang Boys.

Lazaro also sought clarification of Circular No. 46 that mandates the PDEA to keep the suspects in custody while Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez reviews the case even after the prosecutors cleared them of the charges.

He said Resado is probably being coached or was badly advised.

“In fact, there is nothing personal between us (with Resado),” Lazaro said.

He said the side issues are actually working against everybody’s interest, including the three suspects who are still under detention.

Lazaro made the statement a day after admitting reports that he was suspended for one year by the Supreme Court (SC) in 2003, arising from his negligence to follow up the court case of a relative.

“The issue is not my personal past, not even the personal past of prosecutor Resado; this is a legal battle,” he said.

PDEA chief Dionisio Santiago also expressed his disappointment as the legal issues surrounding the Alabang Boys drug case have become personal.

Santiago stood in defense of Lazaro by vouching for his character and reputation.

Santiago brushed aside the reports attacking Lazaro’s personal reputation and being a lawyer.

“The point is, even if he was suspended, people learn from the past. There are things that change a person’s life,” Dionisio said.

Santiago said Lazaro is a good lawyer who knows how to defend the cases of the PDEA.

He said the personal attacks against Lazaro and other PDEA officials are actually a challenge for them.

“Lazaro is a sensitive person and is not used to being criticized in public. Although he is a civilian, our key officers have very high regards for him. We are very happy with him,” he said.