Those involved in Duterte drug matrix may face graft raps—Palace

President Duterte’s matrix of alleged protectors for the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City (Courtesy of PTV 4)

The politicians and individuals involved in the drug matrix released by President Rodrigo Duterte may face graft charges, a Palace official said on Friday.

“If and when they have been verified, charges may have to deal with graft and drug-related graft once information is actually verified,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters in a news briefing.

Abella said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has started taking affidavits of several witnesses to prove the allegations.

READ: 6 witnesses to pin De Lima on Bilibid drugs – DOJ

“Let us take a cue na lang from what DOJ said that several witnesses have come out to prove the allegations against certain personalities. And they are in the process of taking affidavits of these particular witnesses including NBP (New Bilibid Prison) guards, inmates, and former friends of these personalities that have been referred to,” he said.

The Palace officials said other individuals may be included in the drug matrix but their involvement in the illegal drugs trade has yet to be verified.

On Thursday morning, Duterte revealed the much-awaited drug matrix showing Senator Leila de Lima’s alleged involvement in the drug operation at the NBP including the supposed involvement of former Pangasinan Governor and now Pangasinan 5th District Representative Amado Espino Jr.

READ: Duterte matrix out; tags De Lima, ex-Pangasinan gov, others

De Lima has vehemently denied Duterte’s allegations, calling it as “garbage.

Others in the President’s matrix were former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan, Pangasinan Administrator Raffy Baraan, General Franklin Bucayo, De Lima’s former driver Ronnie Dayan, Pangasinan Board Member Raul Sison and a certain “Ms Cardenosa.” RAM