FULL TEXT: De Lima on alleged ‘concealment of material information’

SENATOR Leila de Lima on Tuesday emailed to media organizations her statement on accusation she concealed material information during the 5th hearing on the spate of extrajudicial killings on Monday.

Her statement:

“I vehemently resent the accusation that I concealed material information regarding the kidnap for ransom case filed at the NBI by the common-law wife of Sali Makhdum against Senate Witness Edgar Matobato.

“Senate records would show that in the 3rd hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights on the cases of extrajudicial killings dated 15 September 2016, Mr. Matobato on his first appearance admitted that a kidnap for ransom case was filed against him. In response, as then Committee Chair, I said a subpoena will be issued for the files of the case in due time.

“During the 22 September 2016 hearing, Mr. Matobato repeated his statement that the wife of Makhdum filed a case against him upon questioning of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and the incumbent Chair Sen. Richard Gordon.

“It is clear that Mr. Matobato was very forthcoming with the said case filed against him. There is no iota of concealment that can be attributed to me and Mr. Matobato. I cannot be faulted if the Senators present tonight gave more importance to that information even though they already heard it during the previous hearings.

“I take serious offense to such unfair insinuations and I demand an apology for the false accusations. This unfortunate incident would in no way diminish my respect to my colleagues and to this institution. As Senators, we owe the public to settle this within the bounds of civility, fairness, and justice.”