De Lima cries foul over Duterte’s latest statement against her

Senator Leila De Lima

Manila, Philippines - Senator Leila De Lima considers President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest tirade against her as character assassination.

President Duterte during his speech at the celebration of the 115^th Police Service anniversary in Camp Crame revealed that the driver cum bodyguard of the Senator collects drug money for her.  President Duterte even hinted that the two are lovers.

During an ambush interview at the Senate on Wednesday, with trembling voice, the lady Senator said “it’s so foul.  It’s character assassination.” De Lima added that she and the President are both professionals; public servants.  “I hope he doesn’t resort to those foul means.”

De Lima insisted that President Duterte should refrain from listening to hearsays and should verify his information before releasing it to the public.

In line with this, De Lima also said that she has doubts on the timing of the President’s revelation amid the start of the Senate’s investigation on the extra-judicial killings on individuals suspected of being involved in illegal drugs activities.

The rookie Senator mentioned that first on their list to be invited in the Senate for the hearing on extra-judicial killings is Philippine National Police Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa.