Court has ‘no jurisdiction’: Sanchez son ordered released from rehab

CEBU, Philippines- For lack of jurisdiction, the Regional Trial Court has dismissed the petition for compulsory confinement and treatment of the son of the late Cebu vice governor Gregorio Sanchez in a drug rehabilitation center.

Judge Macaundas Hadjirasul of Branch 8 ordered the release of Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez from Treatment and Rehabilitation Center-Argao, formerly known as New Horizon Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.

“Considering that this court did not acquire jurisdiction over the instant proceeding, there is no need to discuss the other points raised by the parties in relation to the subject motion for reconsideration. Wherefore, for lack of jurisdiction over the saint petition/proceeding, the motion for reconsideration of Sanchez dated July 18, 2015 against the afore-quoted order of this court dated June 24, 2015 is hereby granted and said order is reconsidered and set aside,” the order read.

Sanchez was confined at the drug rehabilitation center after the court granted the petition filed by lawyer Cesar Posada, representing Dangerous Drugs Board Undersecretary Jose Marlowe Pederegosa, bearing the conformity of Greco’s sister Grecilda.

Pursuant to Section 61, Article VIII of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, the court stated that Greco be confined for not less than six months but not more than one year, unless further confinement will be for his welfare.

Greco, through lawyer Jonnah John Ungab, sought for the dismissal of the petition filed by the Dangerous Drugs Board for the compulsory confinement of him.

Greco is facing charges before the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 for illegal possession of dangerous drugs and drugs paraphernalia, a violation of Republic Act 9165.

Greco was caught allegedly having a drug session with his friend Eduard Teves inside a house in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City in April 2013.

The RTC ordered Greco to be committed to drug rehabilitation center. However, in a report of Dr. David Baron, chief of the rehabilitation center, dated September 10, 2014, he said Greco should be required to continue to stay at the center until he fully submits himself for treatment and rehabilitation.

On February 13, 2015, Greco, through a counsel, filed a motion that he be discharged from confinement and questioned the authority of Posada.

He stated that under Section 61, Article VIII of RA 9165, a compulsory confinement of a drug dependent the petition must be filed by the Executive Director of the DDB or any authorized provincial or city health officer, provincial or city social welfare and development officer, provincial or city local government operation officers of DILG and others.

Ungab told the reporters that his client will be released from the center once the order will be received by the rehabilitation center. (FREEMAN)