Ronnie Dayan freed from House custody

RONNIE DAYAN / NOVEMBER 24, 2016Driver/bodyguard Ronnie Dayan arrives at the Congress during the hearing on illegal drug trade in National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The House justice committee on Thursday ruled to release Ronnie Dayan, Sen. Leila de Lima’s former driver and boyfriend, from their custody, even as interpellations are still ongoing, after showing up at the congressional inquiry into drug proliferation at the national penitentiary.

Cebu Rep. Gwen Garcia’s motion to release Dayan was duly seconded and was approved by House justice committee chair Reynaldo Umali.

“Since we have already listened to Ronnie Dayan, the very reason we have the subpoena and warrant issued, he’s here, he has given his testimony. May I respectfully move that we release Ronnie Dayan,” Garcia said.

Dayan, who was arrested last Tuesday in La Union, was cited in contempt for snubbing the previous hearings on drug proliferation at the New Bilbid Prison.

He was brought to the House of Representatives following his arrest, where he told reporters that he collected money on De Lima’s behalf from confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa five times in 2014.

READ: Ronnie Dayan granted immunity from suit

Leyte Rep. Ching Veloso said he saw no legal basis by which the committee should continue to keep Dayan in the House after “susbtantially complying,” while Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin said Dayan “already answered relevant inquiry” so he saw no reason to hold him in House custody.

Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil expressed concern over the safety of Dayan and his family, residents of Pangasinan.

“I would like to make a manifestation of concern for his safety. I feel that I’m responsible for his safety including that of his family,” he said.

“I would like to ask the assurance of chief PNP that my constituent will be assured of his safety even if he will not be accorded by the Witness Protection Program. If he decides to go home, he should be kept safe by the authority especially the PNP,” Bataoil added. CDG