Ex-agent in ‘PDEA leaks’ found guilty of perjury | ABS-CBN
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Ex-agent in ‘PDEA leaks’ found guilty of perjury
Ex-agent in ‘PDEA leaks’ found guilty of perjury
Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales attends the continuation of the investigation into the alleged leak of PDEA documents, conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on May 13, 2024. Bibo Nueva España, Senate PRIB
Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales attends the continuation of the investigation into the alleged leak of PDEA documents, conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on May 13, 2024. Bibo Nueva España, Senate PRIBMANILA – Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agent Jonathan Morales was found guilty of perjury by the City of San Fernando Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 4 over his false testimony on two individuals in a drug-related case.
MANILA – Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agent Jonathan Morales was found guilty of perjury by the City of San Fernando Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 4 over his false testimony on two individuals in a drug-related case.
In a decision of the court dated August 7, 2024, Morales was sentenced to imprisonment of 4 months and to pay a fine of P1,000.
In a decision of the court dated August 7, 2024, Morales was sentenced to imprisonment of 4 months and to pay a fine of P1,000.
The case stemmed from Morales’ testimony against Albert Co Chua and Aaron Tan who were eventually acquitted by the City of San Fernando Regional Trial court Branch 43.
The case stemmed from Morales’ testimony against Albert Co Chua and Aaron Tan who were eventually acquitted by the City of San Fernando Regional Trial court Branch 43.
The court noted that Morales said under oath that Chua and Tan were liable for selling, delivering, transporting or distributing drugs.
The court noted that Morales said under oath that Chua and Tan were liable for selling, delivering, transporting or distributing drugs.
In his defense, Morales said he was forced to testify for fear of being fired or reassigned to a dangerous place.
In his defense, Morales said he was forced to testify for fear of being fired or reassigned to a dangerous place.
“Here, we found no evidence to support accused’s claim that he was forced and intimidated by Director Lyndon Aspacio to execute the affidavit and to testify in court based thereon,” Acting Presiding Judge Jason Alquiroz said in the decision.
“Here, we found no evidence to support accused’s claim that he was forced and intimidated by Director Lyndon Aspacio to execute the affidavit and to testify in court based thereon,” Acting Presiding Judge Jason Alquiroz said in the decision.
Morales was the former PDEA agent in the so-called“PDEA leaks” who alleged that big-time personalities, which include then senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano, were engaged in the use of illegal drugs.
Morales was the former PDEA agent in the so-called“PDEA leaks” who alleged that big-time personalities, which include then senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano, were engaged in the use of illegal drugs.
In dismissing the allegations of Morales against his superior officer, the court said the concerned officer was not even present when he subscribed the affidavit before the prosecutor.
In dismissing the allegations of Morales against his superior officer, the court said the concerned officer was not even present when he subscribed the affidavit before the prosecutor.
“Additionally, the fear of being transferred to dangerous assignments such as in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi is rather speculative, if not discriminatory and unwarranted,” Judge Alquiroz said.
“Additionally, the fear of being transferred to dangerous assignments such as in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi is rather speculative, if not discriminatory and unwarranted,” Judge Alquiroz said.
In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla lauded the prosecution for securing the conviction of Morales.
In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla lauded the prosecution for securing the conviction of Morales.
”May this serve as a reminder to everyone that the court of law was founded by truth and justice where lies and falsehood have no place as it erodes the credibility of our government in dealing with its affairs," Remulla said.
”May this serve as a reminder to everyone that the court of law was founded by truth and justice where lies and falsehood have no place as it erodes the credibility of our government in dealing with its affairs," Remulla said.
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