Duterte to invoke powers and review dismissal of drug raps vs Lim, Espinosa

March 13, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte will invoke his control and supervisory powers over the justice department in a bid to overturn dismissal of the drug charges against alleged drug lords Peter Lim and Kerwin Espinosa.

“I will invoke my power of supervision and control and will review dismissal,” Duterte said in his joint command conference with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Malacanang on Tuesday evening.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr quoted Duterte as saying the president also warned Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II he will put Aguirre in jail if Lim and Espinosa are not prosecuted.

"If Lim and Espinosa go free, I will put him (Aguirre) in jail instead.  I can review that dismissal order. He ( Espinosa) admitted it in Congress! Why not admit it as evidence against him?,” Duterte said.

Aguirre had formed new investigation panel to review case against Lim and Espinosa. DMS