Justice chief dismisses disbarment case as ‘forum shopping’

JUSTICE SECRETARY Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Thursday downplayed the disbarment complaint filed against him, saying it was an “expected” move and part of repeated legal actions pursued by the same complainant.

The case was filed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte before the Supreme Court (SC) and docketed as an administrative case.

In the complaint, received by the SC’s Office of the Bar Confidant on Oct. 2, Mr. Duterte accused Mr. Remulla and other officials of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) in connection with the alleged “unlawful arrest, detention, and extra-judicial rendition” of his father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in March.

“This is not the first time he filed. He has been filing cases,” Mr. Remulla told reporters, noting that similar petitions had been lodged in the past before the Supreme Court and other tribunals.

The Justice secretary described the move as “forum shopping” and linked it to political dissatisfaction.

“They can’t hide their displeasure with stuff we have to do for the ends of justice… I will just roll with the punches,” he said.

Mr. Remulla recalled that the complainant had filed cases even while the former president was under confinement at the airport.

When asked about related complaints pending against him, Mr. Remulla said these too were anticipated. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking