Legal setback won't stop PDEA from pursuing drug case vs Lim son

MANILA, Philippines - Despite a setback in its efforts to prosecute the son of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim over drug charges, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday said it is determined to pursue charges against the accused and his group. In a telephone interview, PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said the agency is unfazed by the recent decision of a Manila court to allow Manny Lim to post bail for drug charges, saying they will continue pursuing the case against the suspects. "We will monitor the case and we will exhaust all means to pursue the case," Carreon said. Earlier, the Manila Regional Trial Court granted Lim to post a P400,000 bail which it originally set at P600,000. Last March, anti-narcotics agents arrested the younger Lim, along with a cohort, during a buy bust operation in a Manila hotel. Lim yielded around 100 grams of metamphetamine hydrochloride more commonly known as "shabu." Under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, persons caught with more than 50 grams of shabu are prevented from posting bail. In the interview, Carreon admitted that the court's decision came as a "surprise" to law enforcement agents involved in the sting operation. "It just came as a surprise but the court has already decided. It is the appreciation of the court and how his lawyers maneuver the proceedings to favor their client," Carreon said. The PDEA spokesman however refused to comment on some speculations that the Manila mayor has influenced the court to grant bail for his son. "We don't want to venture to say that some influential persons like Mayor Lim have something to do with the court's decision to allow Manny to post bail," Carreon said. Carreon also said PDEA remains hopeful to get a favorable decision on the drug case against the younger Lim. "Anyway, it is still a long process before the court finally decides on his case," Carreon said. In earlier interviews following his son's arrest, the Mayor Lim - a staunch anti-narcotics advocate - said he will not intervene in the case, saying his son is old enough to be responsible for the consequences of his actions. The local chief executive has earned the monicker of Dirty Harry for his strong drive against drug offenders in the city during his stint as Manila police chief. - GMANews.TV