Pubdate: Sun, 27 Aug 2000
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  Muralla corner Recoletos Sts., Intramuros, Manila
Fax: 527-7534
Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp
Author: E. T. Suarez

SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF DRUG CASES SEEN

Speedy disposition of drug and drug-related cases was seen yesterday following the designation by the Supreme Court of 41 special courts to solely try such cases as requested by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Lawyer Jesus I. Santos, chairman of the National Association of Lawyers for Justice and Peace (NALJP), said that at present, the disposition of drug and drug-related cases takes time because the courts handling them have to attend to other pending cases.

"Such designation of special courts by the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. shows that the High Tribunal is not insensitive to the ills that affect society, particularly drug-related crimes." Santos said.

Santos said the designation of special courts sends a very strong signal to the drug lords that the government is keen and serious in its campaign against illegal drugs no matter how powerful and influential the people who are behind it.

He added that a special division in the Court of Appeals to handle drug-related cases only will help expedite the disposition of cases that will be decided by the regional trial courts throughout the country. Such special devision of the appellate court could be very effective in deciding drug and drug-related cases since it would not be bothered by other cases, he pointed out.

The NALJP also assailed the critics of Solicitor General Ricardo Galvez who, it said, was one of the most respected justices of the Court of Appeals before his appointment as solicitor general. "Our association can vouch for his integrity, honesty, and competence as a public official," Santos said.

"Our association can enumerate so many cases decided by Justice Galvez when he was in the Court of Appeals which speak highly of his being a very competent and judicious member of the judiciary," Santos said. "Space would be lacking on the towering issues defended by the solicitor general in the present administration which would erase any doubt as to the honest and integrity of the solicitor general."

"Let us not malign a good man by insinuations and innuendoes," Santos said. "Let us be specific in our charges and if we are a little bit doubtful, it is better to keep silent because silence is golden if the motive is great and not a destructive one."
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager