Driver-lover refuses to testify against De Lima

Ronnie Dayan attends the hearing of the disobedience to summons case of Senator Leila De lima as prosecution’s witness on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Photo by Jodee Agoncillo

The former bagman, driver and lover of Sen. Leila de Lima has refused to testify against the senator during a hearing on the latter’s disobedience to summons case, citing his right against self-incrimination and right not to be compelled to serve as a witness.

Ronnie Dayan attended the hearing at the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 34 on Thursday after he was summoned to appear as the prosecution’s witness.

“I did not know that I would be made a prosecution witness. I cannot testify against the senator because we have the same case,” Dayan told reporters.

‘Induced’ not to attend

Dayan, who is detained at the Muntinlupa City Jail, pleaded not guilty to violating Article 150 of the revised Penal code on Monday at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 35.

De Lima was accused of “inducing” Dayan not to attend the committee on justice hearing on the illegal drug trade in the House of Representatives in October 2016.

Ted Rigoroso, De Lima’s lawyer, said the prosecution, in general, could subpoena a witness even if he refused to be named a witness.

In an Aug. 1 motion, Dayan’s counsel, Haidee Soriano, said her client was “invoking his constitutional right against self-incrimination and invokes this right not to be compelled to be a witness in the case as it may prejudice his right in [his own case].”

The prosecution team led by Albert Angelo Villalon was given 15 days to comment on the motion.