FILE PHOTO: Senator Leila de Lima, a fierce critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, has been in detention since February 2017 on drug charges she repeatedly denied and branded as fabricated. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will be providing Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara’s request for a status report on the cases of former senator Leila de Lima.
De Lima, facing drug trade charges before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Courts has been in detention since 2017. One of the three cases against her has been dismissed, while two are undergoing trial. However, witnesses have recanted their testimony against the senator.
READ: Another witness retracts accusations vs De Lima, says he was ‘coerced’
“We will submit ASAP (as soon as possible) to the good senator Angara a status report on these cases,” incoming DOJ spokesperson Atty. Jose Dominic Clavano told reporters.
Clavano said the prosecutors in charge “have already finished their presentation of evidence.” So it is now the former senator’s turn to present her evidence.
Angara made the request during an organizational meeting of the Senate committee on justice and human rights to make sure that there is no unjust delay to the cases of his former colleague.
Earlier, a resolution was filed at the Senate calling for the release of de Lima.
READ: Resolution to free Leila de Lima filed in Senate
But Remulla said, “the matter is already within the jurisdiction of the Muntinlupa Trial Court, which has sole power and authority to act on the pending case against the former senator.”