A La Union court dismissed on Monday (Nov. 15) the drug charges filed against Julian Roberto Ongpin, and lifted the precautionary hold departure order issued against him.
The 12-page ruling of San Fernando Regional Trial Court Branch 27 Presiding Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. noted the lack of probable cause against Ongpin.
This was due to alleged non-compliance of authorities with the Section 21 provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 on the inventory of confiscated evidence on drug cases.
The court also pointed out the absence of insulating witnesses such as members of the media or elected officials in the inventory of confiscated evidence.
It added that the inventory was conducted without Ongpin’s presence, and that the evidence was not immediately marked which violates the chain of custody.
It was in September when Ongpin was allegedly caught with 12 grams of cocaine inside a hostel room where he and late artist Bree Jonson were staying. (PTV News)/AG-rir
