MALACAÑANG on Thursday said Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II still enjoys the full trust and confidence of President Rodrigo R. Duterte despite his department’s dismissal of the drug charges against alleged drug lord Peter Go Lim, confessed drug lord Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa, and convicted drug lord Peter Co.

“For as long as he has not been fired, he enjoys the trust and confidence of the President… As, you know, as is the case with all of us,” Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday, March 15.

The President said last Tuesday, March 13, that in case Messrs. Espinosa and Lim get away with their crimes, Mr. Aguirre will replace them in jail.

When asked why the President was not aware of the DoJ’s three-month-old decision dismissing the drug raps, Mr. Roque said: “You know, that’s why you have line agencies. That’s why the President tells all the Secretaries, ‘Do what should be done.’ And the President always emphasizes wala nga siyang kontrata na pinakikialaman (he does not meddle in contracts). So, I don’t think it’s an issue that the President did not know about it.”

“But when the President found out, he made his sentiments very clear… So, I think what the President said is a very clear expression of concern that he will not allow suspected drug lords to go scot-free,” the spokesman added.

The DoJ’s resolution, dated Dec. 20, 2017, was made public last Monday, March 12. The police filed a motion for reconsideration in February. The case remains pending. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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