Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday addressed the recent administrative complaint filed against him before the Supreme Court by the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Remulla stated that the disbarment case, filed by lawyer Israelito Torreon on behalf of Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte, was anticipated and represents a case of 'forum shopping.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Torreon has initiated the disbarment proceedings against Remulla, citing his role as a legal representative for the Davao group. Remulla, in an interview, emphasized that this is not Torreon's first attempt at such legal action. "Expected lang 'yan. Kasi he lawyers for the Davao group (That is expected, as he lawyers for the Davao group)," Remulla remarked, indicating a pattern of legal filings from Torreon.
The complaint also names Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon. Remulla recounted that Torreon had previously filed cases in the Supreme Court, as well as potentially other courts, during a period when former President Duterte was in confinement at the airport. "Nag-file na s'ya ng kaso sa Supreme Court at sa ibang courts pa yata nag-file (He filed a case before the Supreme Court and in other courts)," Remulla explained.
Remulla expressed that the actions are expected and are a demonstration of displeasure, labeling them as 'forum shopping.' He noted that the timing of these cases coincides with the Judicial and Bar Council's consideration of his application for Ombudsman, stating, "Expected na 'yun (That's already expected). They can't hide their displeasure. It's forum shopping. I will just roll with the punches."
