Recto: De Lima presumed innocent; accusers must show proof

Sen. Ralph Recto (INQUIRER PHOTO)

“Sen. (Leila) de Lima is presumed innocent. Those who allege must show proof.”

So said Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto on Friday after President Rodrigo Duterte’s statements against De Lima.

Recto and De Lima both belong to the Liberal Party (LP).

The Senate Minority Leader said he was “surprised, shocked and saddened” by the President’s attacks on De Lima.

While he said he had no knowledge about the allegations, Recto said: “(It’s) hard to believe Senator De Lima is protecting or coddling (a) drug lord and accepting money in return.”

De Lima was the justice secretary during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III until she won a Senate seat in the May elections.

‘Stay strong’

Another LP member, Sen. Bam Aquino, came to De Lima’s defense and advised her to remain strong.

“Huwag matakot, huwag matinag,” Aquino said in a statement.

“Nakakalungkot na naging personal na ang mga atake kay Senator De Lima ngunit sana’y huwag siyang magpatinag at walang takot na hanapin ang katotohanan at hustisya sa pagdinig ng Senado sa Lunes,” he said.

Aquino is confident that the “tough and brave” De Lima will weather the storm.

“Kilala natin si Senator De Lima bilang matapang at matibay na lingkod-bayan kaya tiwala akong malalampasan niya ang mga pagsubok na kaakibat ng pagganap sa tungkulin bilang mambabatas,” he said./rga