De Lima disputes Biazon on ‘insertion’ issue

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima dismissed the claim of outgoing Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon that his name was inserted in the complaint of the National Bureau of Investigation at the last minute.

“Where did he get that [information]? Why would he say that,” De Lima told reporters Tuesday.

De Lima said Biazon was probably referring to the supplemental affidavit executed by whistle-blower Benhur Luy detailing the kickbacks allegedly received by the lawmakers and other details.

However, De Lima pointed that Luy executed a supplemental affidavit not only for Biazon, but for the other lawmaker who are respondents to the complaint.

At the same time, De Lima said President Benigno Aquino III knew that Biazon is being investigated after his name surfaced in the Commission on Audit’s 2007-2009 report.

But she said the President does not know that Biazon will eventually be included in the complaint.

“I have a general direction from the President to just make sure that there is enough evidence to support any of our cases,” she said.

Biazon already resigned from his post as Customs chief.

De Lima commended Biazon for his decision.

“He took the initiative of filing his resignation and that is more of delicadeza,” she said.

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