Bribery raps different from Leila’s illegal drug charges
THE dismissed bribery cases of former senator Leila de Lima are separate and distinct from her illegal drugs charge now undergoing trial at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court.
“Magkaiba ng elements yung bribery at drug trade. Ibang iba ang ebidensya na kelangan para ipatunayan ang bribery at drug trade. Tapos na po kami sa pag present ng evidence, ball is in their court na po,” incoming DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a message.
Clavano’s comment was sought on snowballing calls to free the former legislator following a resolution from the Office of the Ombudsman junking the bribery charges against her, and her former driver Ronnie Dayan, for lack of probable cause.
Recently, Clavano was quoted to have said: “Basically, we are saying that the resolution of OMB was expected. We do not think, however, that it will have any bearing on the drug trading charges in court.”
Also, the DOJ pointed out said the July 22, 2022 Ombudsman resolution was consistent with its February 14, 2017 resolution rejecting self-confessed Kerwin Espinosa’s claims that he gave de Lima a total of P8 million in exchange for his unhampered illegal drugs business while behind bars.
“Therefore, it was clear to the DOJ Panel of Prosecutors that Espinosa’s confession on the allegation of payment for protection was not convincing.”
“The Department would like to reiterate and point out that we are consistent with the recent resolution of the Ombudsman. In fact, our resolution in 2017 comes way ahead,” the DOJ said.
De Lima is currently detained at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City as she faces drug charges filed by the DOJ.
De Lima was charged with conspiracy to commit illegal drugs trade before the Muntinlupa City RTC. Around 40 prosecution witnesses have testified against her, including former Corrections chief Rafael Ragos.
She was accused of benefitting from the illegal drugs trade when she was the justice secretary during the Aquino administration.
