Umapela si Julian Ongpin, anak ng negosyanteng si Roberto Ongpin, sa Department of Justice (DOJ) na ibasura ang reklamo at pag-aresto dahil sa drug possession laban sa kanya.
Sa petition for review na inilabas ng DOJ noong Linggo, hiniling ni Dennis Manalo, ang abogado ni Ongpin, na ang resolusyon noong Oktubre 18 ay “REVERSED and SET ASIDE and that the Affidavit-Complaint and Arrest against Respondent-Appellant Julian S. Ongpin for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 be DISMISSED.”
Ang kaparehong petisyon para sa pagsusuri ay humiling din ng withdrawal of information na inihain sa La Union Regional Trial Court at ang Precautionary Hold Departure Order laban sa batang Ongpin ay alisin.
Ayon kay Manalo, “the panel had no evidence to support its findings that” Ongpin was in possession of cocaine.
Dagdag pa niya, “The argument of respondent Ongpin that complainant was not able to show sufficient proof that he was in possession of the illegal drugs is misplaced. Respondent Ongpin further argued that since the owner of the illegal drugs which were found inside a black pouch was not properly identified, there is no basis to allude the ownership of said drugs to him.” (By: Frances Pio)