Justice chief Guevarra gets CA nod

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments has approved the appointment of Menardo Guevarra as Justice secretary on Wednesday.

The Commission on Appointment grilled Guevarra on several issues surrounding the Department of Justice for more than an hour, before the panel went into a caucus to deliberate on Guevarra’s appointment.

At noon, the CA confirmed Guevarra’s designation as the new justice chief.

President Rodrigo Duterte plucked Guevarra from the Office of the President where he was serving as Deputy Executive Secretary to head the Department of Justice that was then embroiled in controversy.

Guevarra takes the seat vacated by former Vitaliano Aguirre II, who resigned from the position amid the controversy brought by the prosecution’s dismissal of drug raps against Kerwin Espinosa, Peter Lim, inmate Peter Co and a dozen others.

READ: Menardo Guevarra replaces Aguirre as Justice chief

Ties with Medialdea, OP

During the confirmation hearing, Guevarra fielded some questions on how he will ensure his independence from the influence of the Office of the President, where he has worked for several years.

Rep. Julieta Cortuna (A Teacher party-list) asked Guevarra on what advantage does his stint at the Office of the President and his close ties with Medialdea would give him as justice chief.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea accompanied Guevarra, his former deputy, for the confirmation hearing.

Guevarra reiterated that he will follow the rule of law. “Even if the President did not say that, that is precisely what I intend to do, such that my previous association with the Office of the President would not really be a factor as I discharge my duties as Secretary of Justice.”

During his opening statement, the Justice chief said that he rarely saw Duterte during his stint as Medialdea’s right hand man. He said that he initially declined the appointment, saying that he was happy serving at the OP, and he felt that there are more people suitable for the job.

Upon assuming the position of justice chief, Guevarra said that Duterte has only gave him this as directive: "Do what is right."

Drug cases

Guevarra was also asked on the current procedures of the DOJ on the dismissal of drug cases.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III expressed concern that a drug suspect may flee the authorities pending a case review at the Office of the Justice Secretary.

Guevarra said that the DOJ will study its options on the matter.

READ: Guevarra: DOJ to review practice for drug cases under automatic review