Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for dismissing the libel charges against former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, describing the decision as a “mockery of justice” and a “reward for political loyalty.”
In a statement, Duterte questioned the timing and motives behind the DOJ’s decision, saying the agency had reversed its earlier ruling that indicted Trillanes — a resolution signed years ago by then-Justice Secretary and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“So this is what “justice” looks like now? After seven years and almost a full blown trial,the DOJ suddenly did a 180 and reversed its earlier resolution indicting Antonio Trillanes for libel signed by no less than the then DOJ secretary and now ombudsman boying remulla…talk about timing,” Duterte stated.
In 2018, Duterte filed three libel cases, while his brother-in-law, lawyer Manases Carpio, filed one against Trillanes over the latter’s alleged derogatory remarks against them.
Trillanes had earlier implicated the lawmaker and Carpio in the P6.4-billion shabu smuggling controversy and in the alleged irregularities involving an Uber franchise application.
In a radio interview with DYAB Cebu, Trillanes claimed that the two conspired with a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) official in Central Visayas to demand a bribe in exchange for franchise approval.
Both Duterte and Carpio have denied the allegations.
Furthermore, Duterte also accused the DOJ of prioritizing political alliances over accountability, alleging that the move reflects a justice system “where friendship and political accommodation trump accountability.”
“It seems the DOJ has finally found its true calling — not as the defender of the law, but as the protector of the political ally of the administration. Dismiss the cases against Trillanes? Of course. That’s the “new” justice system of the Philippines — one where friendship and political accommodation trump accountability,” he said.
The lawmaker further criticized both the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman, saying their actions undermine the credibility of the country’s institutions.
“Mga judge at justices, pwede na kayong mag-resign — kayang-kaya na ng DOJ at ng Ombudsman ang buong batas ng Pilipinas. This is not justice — this is reward. A reward for loyalty to the right people, for serving the right narratives. And the Filipino people see right through it,” he said.
Duterte called for higher standards of integrity within the country’s justice system, lamenting that both the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman have become “players of politics instead of protectors of truth.”
He also stressed that public trust in the rule of law is eroded when institutions meant to uphold justice are seen serving political interests.
“If this is the standard of “integrity” that the Ombudsman and DOJ wants to uphold, then perhaps lawyers should all go back to school — because clearly, these people in the administration are rewriting the law to favor their friends. Our justice system deserves better than the ombudsman and the DOJ who play politics instead of protecting the truth,” he said.
