DOJ: Leviste not yet a fugitive from justice

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has not been tagged as a fugitive from justice, Department of Justice (DOJ) acting Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Herbert Calvin Abugan clarified yesterday.

“As of now, not yet. There’s a process that needs to be followed before we can declare him fugitive from justice,” Abugan explained, referring to the court’s processes.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida earlier noted the prosecutors handling Leviste’s case may make use of tools such as tagging him a fugitive from justice, canceling his passport and requesting an Interpol red notice, only when the embattled lawmaker submits to law enforcement through arrest or surrender.

“The prosecutors will control where the journey of the case will go. There is a process there, fugitive from justice, cancellation of passport, those are tools that can be used by prosecutors for any accused to recognize the jurisdiction of the court,” he said.

No big deal?

Vida disputed Leviste’s claim that the case against him before a court in Makati City was a “small matter.”

Leviste’s case for the failure of his firm Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. to comply with obligations under its congressional franchise should be a “big deal” for him, Vida declared.

“It’s a big deal. Why? Not obeying or following the law is big deal. Our respect for the court and its processes like arrest warrants is a big thing,” Vida said in a media briefing at DOJ yesterday.

He also took a swipe at Leviste and his mother Sen. Loren Legarda, who both reportedly flew to France over her supposed medical issues in August this year.

“We know that Congressman Leviste is a lawmaker, as well as his mother… We are just following the law that they passed because it aims to bring order,” Vida added.

He slammed Leviste’s remark that the case – with bail set at P72,000 – was “just a small matter compared to everything else that’s happening.”

“The P72,000 may be a small thing for him, but it’s not about the amount. What is important here is respect for the law,” Vida said.

The DOJ has urged Leviste to “submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court before he may avail himself of his bail, either through arrest or voluntary surrender.”