Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
Atty. Clarissa “Claire” Castro — guest host of dzMM’s evening program Usapang de Campanilla — was briefly detained at the Manila Police District (MPD) for multiple charges of slander by deed, direct assault and obstruction of justice filed against her by PO3 Marlyn Remetio. Castro was released from detention at 5pm on Wed, Sep 23.
Castro’s partner Charlton Seechung, secretary Jonalyn Montoya, and client Jackson Chua Jr. who were also detained along with her have also been released.
So, how did Casto end up behind bars?
Well, on Tue evening, Sep 22, Castro was at the MPD to question the legality of Chua’s arrest. She talked to Remetio at the MPD-Women and Children’s Desk. Chua was said to have been arrested that afternoon at SM San Lazaro without a warrant of arrest.
“Chua was brought to the MPD after an entrapment operation at SM San Lazaro after his ex-girlfriend, Ricamarie Taylor, complained and approached the MPD Women’s Desk for assistance regarding the alleged abduction of their 6-year-old son. He is reportedly facing charges of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004,” reports Jodee A. Agoncillo in Philippine Daily Inquirer.
For his part, Chua claimed that “Taylor allegedly has asked him to pay the credit bill that amounted to PHP400,000 which she spent in their recent US trip.” Chua allegedly refused Taylor’s demand.
In any case, Chua ended up at MPD. Castro is seen going ballistic on video, saying, “Walang warrant, sir, kinakaladkad sa SM Mall-San Lazaro. Walang complaint. Walang ginagawa sa SM Mall para arestuhin (There is no warrant, sir, but he was dragged at SM Mall-San Lazaro. There is no complaint. He wasn’t doing anything at SM Mall to be arrested).”
Later in the video, Castro is heard shouting, “Walang complaint… Nasaan? Ipapa-file pa lang kaso! Ini-imbestigahan ang kaso para hulihin, walang warrant of arrest ito! Wala siyang arrest [warrant] (There is no complaint. Where? The case is yet to be filed. The case is being investigated to arrest my client, but there is no warrant of arrest)!”
The report noted: “Castro was trying to get out of the door shouting and asked angrily if it is a sin to protect her client for her to be arrested. At this point, she continued to try to drag Chua out of the room. She came face to face with Remetio.”
Castro told Remetio: “Anong kasalanan ko? Karapan ng kliyente ko…kasalan (What is my sin? My client’s rights…a sin)?”
Remetrio replied, “Kasalanan mo ang sinisigaw-sigawan mo ako (Your fault is that you’re yelling at me).”
Because of the commotion, Remetrio sought the help of policemen to pacify Castro.
“Castro said she is bent on filing countercharges against some MPD policemen,” reports Julie Espinosa on Inquirer.net.
