Ongpin asks court to defer arrest warrant issuance

He asked the RTC to refuse ‘to issue a commitment order and dismiss the case outright for lack of probable cause’

The camp of Julian Ongpin has asked the San Fernando City, La Union Regional Trial Court (RTC) to defer the issuance of an arrest warrant and suspend the proceedings on his controversial drug case.

Ongpin’s plea, which was filed by his lawyers led by Atty. Dennis Manalo, was contained in an omnibus motion to defer the issuance of arrest warrant and suspend proceedings.

Likewise, he asked the RTC to refuse “to issue a commitment order and dismiss the case outright for lack of probable cause in accordance with Section 6, Rule 112, Rules of Court.”

In the alternative and in view of the doubt on the existence of probable cause, he also asked the tribunal “to order the (Department of Justice or DoJ) to present additional evidence within five days from notice to establish probable cause against the accused.”

Ongpin, the son of former Trade secretary Roberto Ongpin, was a person of interest because he was reportedly the last companion of artist Breana “Bree” Jonson, who was found dead in a La Union hostel on 18 September.

The La Union police initially arrested Ongpin for possession of more than 12 grams of suspected illegal drugs, which was later confirmed as cocaine following a laboratory examination. He also tested positive for cocaine use.

In his motion, Ongp in explained he only learned through online news portals that the Do J issued are solution recommending the filing of the Information against him for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“While the DoJ has been quick to inform the media about this case, it has yet to furnish accused his copy of the said resolution,” Ongpin’s motion read.

“Consequently, the accused is still unable to avail of his remedies therefrom one of which is to file a motion for reconsideration within the period of 15 days from receipt thereof under the DoJ rules for preliminary investigation, or to file a petition for review with the office of the Secretary of Justice.”