Ex-Erap adviser faces smuggling raps

The Department of Justice cleared the way for the trial of a former adviser of deposed President Joseph Estrada accused of smuggling hazardous chemicals that could be used to manufacture shabu.

In a resolution signed by Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong, the department denied a motion for reconsideration filed by Wee Dee Ping, also known as Le Peng Wee, for lack of merit.

Wee, who served as Estrada’s adviser on Mindanao, assailed the department’s earlier resolution that recommended his indictment in a Zamboanga City court for alleged smuggling as well as violating laws governing the transport of hazardous chemicals.

Wee was charged after it was proven that he owned the 39 drums of chemicals smuggled from Malaysia in June 2000 onboard M/V Lady Mary Joy 2.

Datumanong’s resolution reversed the Sept. 2, 2002 ruling of former justice secretary Hernando Perez clearing Wee of the charges.

"There is more than enough evidence to hold Wee Dee Ping for trial of violations … of the Tariff and Customs Code," Datumanong said in his resolution.

Perez dismissed the complaint, saying the shipping documents pointing to Wee as the consignee of the chemicals were inaccurate and were, therefore, not enough evidence, Datumanong said. – Aurea Calica