Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A lower court will hear on Friday morning Senator Leila De Lima’s motion to dismiss one of her three drug cases.
In her motion to quash filed before Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court branch 206, De Lima argued there is no allegation — much less proof from the records — that would show that she participated in the criminal activities of the high-profile inmates inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was still Justice Secretary.
She pointed out the prosecution failed to establish that the amounts allegedly given to her were from the illegal drug trade or that she actually received the money.
De Lima added the information failed to establish that the bank accounts where the money was deposited to belonged to her.
The information filed alleged that De Lima and former Bureau of Corrections Director Franklin Bucayu “ordered and tolerated” the widespread illegal drug trade inside Bilibid’s maximum security compound.
It also alleged they got help from De Lima’s former driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan, her former aide Joenel Sanchez, her supposed nephew Jose Adrian Dera, Bucayu’s former staff Wilfredo Elli, and Bilibid inmate Jaybee Sebastian.
The drug trade allegedly happened from March to May 2015.
The prosecution added the accused “demanded and extorted” money from inmates to fund the senatorial bid of Senator De Lima in the May 2016 election, adding they also personally benefited from the drug money.
The inmates allegedly gave and delivered P70 million directly to De Lima or through Sebastian, Dera, Sanchez, and Dayan, and to Bucayu through Elli.
Judge Patria Manalastas-De Leon could either rule on De Lima’s motion to quash or she will give first the prosecution time to comment on the motion.
De lima also has a pending petition before the Supreme Court questioning her arrest. The high court will conduct oral arguments on her petition on March 14.
