Last month, local police filed drug complaints against Ongpin after he was caught in possession of cocaine and tested positive for cocaine use.
Authorities were able to retrieve 12.6 grams of the dangerous drug in a hostel room in San Juan, La Union, which Ongpin shared with his supposed girlfriend, painter Bree Jonson, who was found dead in the same room.
Ongpin is being implicated in Jonson’s death, as he was reportedly the artist’s last companion.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 19) — The Department of Justice on Tuesday filed a non-bailable case of possession of illegal drug against Julian Ongpin, son of businessman and former Trade Secretary Roberto Ongpin.
However, in a move that sparked allegations of special treatment, Ongpin was later ordered released from detention by the La Union Provincial Prosecutors Office pending the preliminary investigation into the incident.
Police earlier said Jonson died of asphyxia, or lack of oxygen due to strangulation, but added that an initial probe showed no signs of foul play. They said investigators only saw ligature marks under her chin, but could not conclude yet if she was strangled or if they were self-inflicted.
The case was filed at the San Fernando City, La Union Regional Trial Court, the Office of the Prosecutor General said in a message to reporters.
“Yes, it was already filed in court today. We don’t know yet kung saan branch ng RTC po siya mara-raffle (We don’t know yet in which branch of the RTC it will be raffled),” Prosecutor Honey Delgado said.
In a briefer released to the media on Monday, the DOJ said it has “resolved to indict” Ongpin.
The DOJ also said a precautionary hold departure order against Ongpin was issued on Oct. 8 by the San Fernando court to prevent him from leaving the country.
But Delgado said there is no arrest warrant yet for Ongpin.
