THE Department of Justice has asked the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court to reopen a drug case against former senator Leila De Lima that had already been submitted for decision.

Government prosecutors filed an urgent motion before Branch 204 to present rebuttal evidence, despite an agreement between parties to submit the case for decision, with promulgation expected to occur on May 12.

The prosecution plans to submit additional exhibits during the presentation of evidence of De Lima’s co-accused Ronnie Dayan, as well as the testimony of lawyer Demiteer Huerta from the Public Attorney’s Office.

The DOJ stated that the rebuttal evidence will “explain, repel, counteract, or disprove the evidence of the adversary.”

The motion stated, “While the presentation of rebuttal evidence is discretionary with the prosecution in a criminal action, in the instant case, the overwhelming import of the new facts disclosed by the accused which have a damaging effect on the complainant’s version is imperative and necessary for the prosecution to present rebuttal evidence.”

This developed as Atty. Filibon Tacardon, De Lima’s legal counsel, disclosed that their camp intends to file an opposition to the motion.

“We will file an opposition to the motion to reopen and we will ask the court to uphold a valid gentleman’s agreement reached in open court,” he said.

De Lima, who is currently detained at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police in Quezon City, faces drug charges filed by the DOJ.

She was accused of benefiting from the illegal drugs trade when she was the justice secretary during the Aquino administration.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas