Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito is calling for a formal legislative inquiry into a recent National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raid on a Pasig City hotel and karaoke bar, citing concerns over potential “special treatment” and procedural inconsistencies.
The investigation, prompted by an April 21 operation at the Chicago karaoke bar and Bleu Hotel, aims to scrutinize whether law enforcement applied the law impartially. The establishment is reportedly owned by the family of former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor.
The push for a Senate resolution follows public remarks from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who questioned why certain high-profile individuals allegedly present during the raid were not included in the subsequent filing of charges.
Reports indicate that while 26 individuals face charges for qualified trafficking and drug violations—including Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose, and son, Miguel Gabriel—other “VIPs” were reportedly seen at the venue but omitted from the roster of respondents.
“Any perception that some individuals were treated differently undermines public trust and raises serious questions about the integrity of the operation,” Ejercito stated.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag previously confirmed that the Defensors were recommended for prosecution as officials of Zerrin Development Corporation, the entity registered as the owner of the premises where dozens of women were allegedly victims of sex trafficking.
However, Remulla noted during a radio broadcast that Lawrence Tan, president of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, was among those allegedly spotted at the scene during the operation.
Ejercito, who leads the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, emphasized that the inquiry is focused on accountability rather than targeting specific personalities.
He noted that circulating video footage and conflicting accounts necessitate a formal review of how authorities assessed those on-site.
“Conflicting accounts, including video footage already in circulation, make it imperative for the Senate to establish the facts under oath, who was present, how they were assessed and why some were charged while others were not,” the senator explained.
The lawmaker reiterated that the integrity of the Philippine justice system hinges on the equal application of the law, regardless of a person’s social or political standing.
“This is about ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of the law, free from undue influence, and guided solely by evidence. The credibility of our justice system rests on consistency. There cannot be one standard for the ordinary citizen and another for the rich and well-connected,” Ejercito added.