FORMER Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos may face perjury charges following the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

However, Remulla clarified that only an interested party can file a complaint in this regard.

“We can file the charges if there is an interested party. We will consult the prosecutors involved to determine if they want to pursue a case.

We are not actively encouraging anything,” Remulla stated.

Leila de Lima has been cleared of charges related to her alleged involvement in illegal drugs during her tenure as justice secretary under the Aquino administration, as decided by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204.

Nevertheless, she still faces another similar charge pending with a different judge from Muntinlupa RTC, and her detention will continue until Branch 256 addresses her motion for bail.

The recent case revolved around the testimony of Rafael Ragos, who claimed to have delivered millions of pesos to de Lima from inmates at New Bilibid Prison to support her 2016 senatorial campaign.

Ragos later retracted his statement, alleging coercion in implicating De Lima in the illegal drug trade.

Branch 204 acknowledged that retractions are typically given little weight, except in cases where there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction. Without Ragos’ testimony, a crucial link required to establish a conspiracy is obscured by reasonable doubt.

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Hector Lawas