Speaker Alvarez grants Jaybee Sebastian immunity from suit

Jaybee Sebastian at the drug trade hearing at Congress. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER PHOTO

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday granted immunity to kidnapping convict Jaybee Sebastian in connection with his testimony in the House of Representatives inquiry into the proliferation of drugs at the New Bilibid Prison.

During the last day of the lower chamber’s inquiry in aid of legislation, committee on justice chairperson Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali announced that the Speaker has approved Sebastian’s request to be granted immunity from suit as he expressed willingness to testify.

READ: Sebastian denies he’s De Lima asset, seeks immunity from suit

Sebastian said “Thank you” upon being informed of this.

In his affidavit, Sebastian admitted raising P10 million campaign funds for Senator Leila De Lima — when she was still justice secretary — from the Bilibid drug trade.

Sebastian said he gave the payola for De Lima to the latter’s former aide Jonel Sanchez, who Sebastian alleged had a relationship with De Lima.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said it was not for the Department of Justice to ask for Sebastian’s immunity. It was Sebastian’s lawyer Eduardo Arriba who asked the committee to recommend to the Speaker for Sebastian’s immunity.

READ: Sebastian denies being De Lima’s ‘favored’ drug lord

Aguirre also said the DOJ would study Sebastian’s request to be placed under the Witness Protection Program. JE/rga

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