3 lawyers cleared in Makati bar drug raid

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City prosecutor’s office has dismissed for lack of evidence charges against three lawyers arrested in a drug raid on a bar in August 2018.

In a Jan. 31 resolution, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Romel Ordonia and Deputy City Prosecutor Henry Salazar found no probable cause to indict Lenie Rocel Rocha, Jan Vincent Soliven and Romulo Bernard Alarcon on charges of obstruction of justice, resistance and disobedience, and constructive possession of illegal drugs.

The Makati police said the three lawyers, who represented the owner of Time Bar, allegedly intimidated the police officers by taking photos and videos at the crime scene without asking permission from them.

The police said the lawyers were detained after they allegedly did not cooperate with police protocol during the operation.

The prosecutors said the police officers “could not hide behind the presumption of regularity in the performance of their function, because it is clearly shown that their assertions lack the earmark of truth and could not pass the test of reason and human experience.”

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said he respects the decision of the prosecutors, but warned that what happened to the three lawyers must serve as a lesson for everyone to follow police rules during an operation.