PDEA: Actor tests positive for shabu

Additional charges of drug use have been filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against former matinee idol William Martinez after he tested positive for shabu.

Senior Superintendent Bernardo Bondoc, public information officer of PDEA, said charges for violation of Section 15 (drug use) of the Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed in addition of charges on illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

PDEA director general Undersecretary Anselmo Avenido has openly questioned the Pasay Prosecutor’s Office decision to release Martinez after posting P40,000 bail for the initial charges of possession of a glass tooter, which was later found to be positive for shabu residue.

Martinez was arrested last Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal (NAIA-2) while about to board a plane for Dipolog City. The evidence was found in his short’s back pocket.

Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force chief Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay said Martinez could receive a penalty of six months to four years in jail if found guilty for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) expressed disappointment over the release of Martinez.

"We are very disappointed with the turn of events. Why should Martinez be released when in similar circumstances, other drug suspects are imprisoned without bail? Do we smell preferential treatment here?" said VACC founding chairman Dante Jimenez.

A vigilant partner in the government’s anti-drug campaign, the VACC said the anti-drug law should be applied equally and fairly to all individuals.

Jimenez said the VACC has been closely monitoring 50 celebrated cases of the PDEA in the different regional trial courts in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.