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| According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Ronnie Dayan and Rolan "Kerwin" Espinosa are needed to file an airtight case against Sen. Leila De Lima. AP/Bullit Marquez | By Kristian Javier via Philstar |
MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that the testimonies Ronnie Dayan and Rolan "Kerwin" Espinosa will make the case against Sen. Leila De Lima airtight but also said the case is strong as it is.
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, and more recently the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), have filed complaints against De Lima for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison drug trade.
De Lima, however, has repeatedly denied the allegations.
In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Aguirre said that even without Dayan or Kerwin's testimony, the evidence and testimonies from Bilibid convicts are already sufficient to prove De Lima's guilt.
"But considering we are strengthening the case, parang yung sinasabi ko noon that we would want to file an airtight case, every single additional [piece of] evidence, we welcome it," Aguirre said.
"Welcome po lahat ang gusto makipag-tulungan para po maparusahan itong malalaking mga public officials involved in the drug trade," Aguirre added.
The Office of the Ombudsman however, has said it cannot act on the allegations yet.
"So far there’s no lead that will prompt us to initiate an investigation," Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said.
Aguirre said that numerous witnesses, including two former NBI officials, have testified that in two instances, Dayan and De Lima received P5 million in drug money at the senator's house.
"Parang ang sinasabi niya nun ay these are mere allegations," Aguirre said of the ombudsman's decision.
Aguirre added that the testimonies are not allegations but accusations even though it is only testimonial evidence.
"Whether testimonial evidence, these are evidence against somebody for being charged for the violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act," Aguirre said.
Aguirre also said that the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsan have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning the DOJ to continue the preliminary investigation even without the ombudsman.
"Lahat talaga ginawa namin, ginawa ng NBI, but apparently we were unsuccessful doing so," Aguirre said.
Aguirre also said that the DOJ were told that Dayan is being protected by some ranking public officials in Pangasinan, his home province, and other areas in Northern Luzon, including Baguio.
"Diyan sya nag tatago, diyan siya nag papalipat-lipat,"
Aguirre however added that the P1 million reward offered by VACC for information leading to Dayan's arrest will be sufficient.
"Palagay ko malaki ang mangyayaring epekto niyan, and hopefully we will be able to get him," Aguirre said.
Kerwin was nabbed in Abu Dhabi on October 17 when several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) spotted him there.
"I have written General Bato (PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa) that if ever any assistance is needed in connection to protective custody of Kerwin, then the NBI is willing to provide such protection," Aguirre added.
Aguirre said that the DOJ is offering witness protection to both Kerwin and Dayan as long as they are cooperative and are qualified for the program.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson meanwhile, said that the government must ensure the safety of Kerwin after the death of his father, Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
Aguirre said that Kerwin was very much fearful not only for his life, but for his common wife and children's as well.
"Pag hindi immediate ang ginawang protection ng [Witness Protection Program], baka siguro sa kanyang pag-kanyang opinyon, baka hindi sila masyadong maprotektahan," Aguirre said.
De Lima, however, has repeatedly denied the allegations.
"But considering we are strengthening the case, parang yung sinasabi ko noon that we would want to file an airtight case, every single additional [piece of] evidence, we welcome it," Aguirre said.
"Welcome po lahat ang gusto makipag-tulungan para po maparusahan itong malalaking mga public officials involved in the drug trade," Aguirre added.
The Office of the Ombudsman however, has said it cannot act on the allegations yet.
"So far there’s no lead that will prompt us to initiate an investigation," Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said.
Aguirre said that numerous witnesses, including two former NBI officials, have testified that in two instances, Dayan and De Lima received P5 million in drug money at the senator's house.
"Parang ang sinasabi niya nun ay these are mere allegations," Aguirre said of the ombudsman's decision.
Aguirre added that the testimonies are not allegations but accusations even though it is only testimonial evidence.
"Whether testimonial evidence, these are evidence against somebody for being charged for the violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act," Aguirre said.
Aguirre also said that the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsan have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning the DOJ to continue the preliminary investigation even without the ombudsman.
Manhunt on against Ronnie Dayan
Aguirre said that the DOJ and the NBI have still not found Dayan, who has been ordered arrested for contempt after failing to attend hearings at the House of Representatives."Lahat talaga ginawa namin, ginawa ng NBI, but apparently we were unsuccessful doing so," Aguirre said.
Aguirre also said that the DOJ were told that Dayan is being protected by some ranking public officials in Pangasinan, his home province, and other areas in Northern Luzon, including Baguio.
"Diyan sya nag tatago, diyan siya nag papalipat-lipat,"
Aguirre however added that the P1 million reward offered by VACC for information leading to Dayan's arrest will be sufficient.
"Palagay ko malaki ang mangyayaring epekto niyan, and hopefully we will be able to get him," Aguirre said.
"Kerwin" coming home
According to Aguirre, once Kerwin Espinosa arrives in the Philippines, Philippine National Police officials will accompany him to the custodial center in Camp Crame, and will stay there for the meantime.Kerwin was nabbed in Abu Dhabi on October 17 when several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) spotted him there.
"I have written General Bato (PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa) that if ever any assistance is needed in connection to protective custody of Kerwin, then the NBI is willing to provide such protection," Aguirre added.
Aguirre said that the DOJ is offering witness protection to both Kerwin and Dayan as long as they are cooperative and are qualified for the program.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson meanwhile, said that the government must ensure the safety of Kerwin after the death of his father, Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
Aguirre said that Kerwin was very much fearful not only for his life, but for his common wife and children's as well.
"Pag hindi immediate ang ginawang protection ng [Witness Protection Program], baka siguro sa kanyang pag-kanyang opinyon, baka hindi sila masyadong maprotektahan," Aguirre said.
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