Lacson thumbs down Senate probe on high profile inmates’ deaths

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday said he’d rather focus on other pressing issues than to conduct a probe on the deaths of high-profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison.

Nine high-profile inmates, including Jaybee Niño Sebastian, who was convicted of kidnapping and carjacking in 2009, reportedly died due to the coronavirus disease 2019.

“Unless there is a very compelling reason to suspect any foul play – and as of now, there is none – personally, I’d rather focus on more pressing matters than being distracted by the death/s of drug convict/s who had shown no remorse at all by continuing their drug operations even in the confines of the high-security facility of the New Bilibid Prison, right under the noses of prison officials, corrupting those who have no moral fortitude to resist even drug money,” the senator said in a statement.

He added the Data Privacy Act can be applicable in the case of Sebastian and other inmates, “although in an inquiry in aid of legislation, we as legislators can ask relevant questions, especially in an executive session.”

The Department of Justice is already investigating reports of the recent deaths of high-profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison.

Sebastian was the key witness in the Bilibid drug trade. These cases are now pending before three branches of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.

JE