Illegal drug cases, terrorism are top priorities of new DOJ chief

NEWLY-APPOINTED Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra vowed to give special attention to cases involving illegal drugs and terrorism in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's instructions.

“He (Duterte) just reminded me to put special focus on the prosecution of crimes on illegal drugs and terrorism,” Guevarra said, adding, he would prioritize the review of the controversial drug cases involving Cebu businessman Peter Lim and self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and the decision of his predecessor, Vitaliano Aguirre II, to place alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Napoles under provisional coverage of the Witness Protection Program ( WPP).

“I would have to review the past actions of the DOJ. More of the recent things give focus on these matters. I am not prejudging (but) the first thing I will look at facts presented without premature conclusion (and) I would not be bothered by public sentiment” he said.

Guevarra also said that the President told to him to sack all those who are engaged in wrongdoings in the Department of Justice (DOJ). “He gave me a free hand to replace people, to bring his honor to the Department of Justice,” he said.

“The first order of business is to familiarize myself with the various functions of the DOJ as a lawyer I know that I need to know the nitty-gritty of the DOJ and basically to know the key people here. And to determine for myself if there is a need to hire new recruits; to introduce new people to help me out in the DOJ so basically organizational muna.”

“Like any person who is new into the job I would like to have people in my confidence, but I want continuity. I don’t want abrupt. I have a lot of respect with people who have been here some time even those under the previous and present organization,” he said.

Guevarra said the President would not intervene in his way of performing his duties. “He (Duterte) expressly stated he would not interfere in any way in the discharge of my functions as secretary of justice,” he said.

He said even relatives or those close to Duterte would be disappointed when they ask for any kind of favors from him. “Sabi niya kapag meron lumapit sa akin na kamag-anak niya asking for any favor consider it denied. “I can do what I need to do for as long as I follow the rule of law,” he said.

Guevarra, who served as Deputy Executive Secretary both in the Aquino and Duterte administrations, was appointed as DOJ chief following Aguirre's resignation recently. “Politics is not within the jurisdiction of the DOJ. DOJ is administration of criminal justice. Kaya nga blindfolded ang lady justice. Political consideration is definitely out of the question. I just want you to know I never asked for any of these positions. I was recruited, I was requested to assist and as a lawyer I did my job as a professional. I don’t have any political membership in any groupings,” he said.