De Lima to face accuser Kerwin Espinosa in Senate probe

Sen. Leila de Lima (left) and alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa INQUIRER PHOTOS

Sen. Leila de Lima is getting ready to face suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa at the Senate on Wednesday, saying she is committed to fulfilling her duties as a member of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs even while the witness is expected to name her as a narcopolitician.

The meeting is set to happen Wednesday morning, as the committee chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson continues its inquiry into the death of Espinosa’s father Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.

READ: Pacquiao: Kerwin claims giving P8M ‘protection money’ to De Lima

“I will [attend], because I’m a member. This is just a continuation of the inquiry… I was present and I participated during the first hearing, and I will be present again at tomorrow’s hearing,” De Lima told reporters.

She said some of her friends and staff have been asking if she would attend, noting that she is very transparent and finds if hard “to hide my facial expressions whenever I hear something upsetting.”

“I will just psych myself… You know, my staff and my friends have been asking me since last night, even some of my staff are dissuading me from attending, [telling me] “Maam, why would you still attend when you know he will identify you?,” she said.

READ: De Lima: Kerwin may also end up dead

Sen. Manny Pacquiao said in a television interview Tuesday morning that the younger Espinosa had revealed to him handing over P8 million in drug money to De Lima.

De Lima, for months battered by allegations that she had received drug money during her time as justice Secretary, said such accusation was expected.

“What did I tell you? That’s a no brainer… It’s expected that he will point to me just like those who became witnesses in the House [justice committee inquiry],” De Lima said, in reference to the high-profile convicts who had named her in the drug trade at the national penitentiary.

She reiterated that she did not know the Espinosas and had received nothing from them.

“I’m telling you right now, I don’t know him (Kerwin). I don’t remember meeting him or anyone in his family. I don’t know anyone in the Espinosa family, including his late father,” De Lima said. CBB/rga

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