Aguirre: SC’s affirmation of De Lima’s arrest ‘vindicates’ DOJ

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II (File photo JOAN BONDOC / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to deny with finality Sen. Leila de Lima’s appeal to the arrest order against her has “vindicated” the Department of Justice (DOJ) from allegations of political persecution.

This was the statement of former DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre whose tenure saw through the prosecution and arrest of De Lima for illegal drug charges.

De Lima was accused of being a protector of convicted drug lords at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“The SC’s decision on the motion for reconsideration of Senator Leila de Lima affirmed what we all knew along. Her arrest on drug charges indeed has a legal leg to stand on,” Aguirre said in a statement on Thursday.

“With the SC decision, we have proven that this case is one of rightful prosecution and not of political persecution as claimed by some,” the former DOJ chief stressed.

Likewise, Aguirre said that “we should all accord the greatest respect and full obedience to this decision of the Supreme Court.”

“Obedience becomes more imperative with the SC’s tenor of finality in its ruling,” Aguirre said. “Let this serve as a warning to all who deal in drugs and who profit from it. The Duterte Administration is serious as it is relentless.” /je