Judge to rule on bail for mayoral bet in drug case

MANILA, Philippines - A judge handling a drug case against Mandaluyong City mayoral bet Ernest Alberto Buan is scheduled to rule on Buan’s request to post bail today.

Buan was arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for allegedly possessing five grams of cocaine during a buy-bust operation in Pasig City last Jan. 29. Buan is claiming PDEA agents, working with his political opponents, framed him.

Pasig regional trial court Judge Abraham Borreta said in a text message to The STAR that he would not give “clues” on what his decision might be.

Borreta said the prosecution would continue presenting additional evidence or witnesses to prove their case. “Remember that only the bail hearing was finished,” he said.

Buan was detained at the PDEA headquarters in Quezon City right after his arrest.