The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday rejected claims of selective justice, saying criminal cases against Vice President Sara Duterte and former Speaker Martin Romualdez are based on evidence and applicable laws.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the DOJ and its prosecutors follow the rules of the criminal justice system and act on cases based on the evidence presented.
“The Department of Justice is the premier law agency of the country,” Vida said during a press conference.
He said Duterte is facing a grave threats case because the evidence warranted the filing and prosecution of the case.
“Ang pinanghahawakan po natin ay kung ano po ang nakasaad sa batas. At may mga panuntunan ang ating criminal justice system. At isa po dito ay grave threats. Ito po yung kinakaharap na usapin ng ating sitting Vice President Sara Duterte,” Vida said.
Vida said the DOJ prosecutor panel’s decision is based only on what is supported by evidence.
“Ang decision ng Department of Justice at ating panel of prosecutors ay kung ano lang ang naayon sa ebidensiya,” he said.
Vida also cited the recent filing by the Office of the Ombudsman of a plunder case against Romualdez, saying the case likewise followed the evidence available to investigators.
“Nakita din po natin nitong mga nakaraan araw na naghain na po ang Office of the Ombudsman ng kaso laban kay former Speaker Martin Romualdez. At nakikita din po natin na ito po ay alinsunod kung saan dumating ang ebidensya. Where the evidence will go,” Vida said.
He said the government’s duty is to enforce the law regardless of the personalities involved.
“Tayo po ay produkto ng ating ginawa. Kung may nilabag tayo sa batas, may kakaharapin tayo,” Vida said.
Vida also reiterated that the government’s implementation of the law is intended to maintain order in society.
“Ang gobyerno ay for the people, by the people, and of the people,” he said.
He urged the public not to interpret the filing of cases against political figures as selective justice.
“Kaya lahat po ng mangyayari, ang panawagan… selective justice daw, pero hindi po,” Vida said.#