Witnesses vs De Lima given immunity from suit

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Witnesses, including inmates from the national penitentiary, who will testify against Sen. Leila de Lima in the House of Representatives inquiry on the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the prison have been given immunity from suit, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Monday.

“I discussed it with the leaders of the House. Reasonable naman ito (This is reasonable),” Aguirre said.

“Whatever they will say, hindi sila maaaring idemanda (they could not be sued). It could not be used against them,” he added.

Aguirre said the immunity is necessary to encourage the witnesses including the inmates to open up.

READ:  Aguirre: Inmates to testify vs De Lima transferred to AFP facility

He explained that the information given by the witnesses is vital to determine how drugs proliferated inside the prison leading to a spill around the country.

Aguirre as well as Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said 75 percent of illegal drug transaction came from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Among the witnesses who will testify include National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Director Rafael Ragos, his driver-escort Junior Ablen and high-profile inmates Herbert “Ampang” Colangco and Noel Martinez.

But Aguirre clarified that the inmates who will testify against De Lima will not be given priority for a possible pardon or commutation of sentence.

“We are not planning to recommend anybody [for pardon or commutation of sentence],” Aguirre said reiterating that there was no concession or reward for the inmates who will testify against De Lima.

READ: NBI deputy director to testify vs De Lima — Aguirre

Aguirre said they have at least 30 witnesses as well as videos to be presented in Congress. RAM