Remulla responded saying the two remaining drug cases against De Lima are already within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa court, which he said “has the sole power and authority to act on the pending case.”
The DOJ chief noted that based on records, Ragos has not been presented by the defense as a witness before the Muntinlupa Court.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26) — The Senate minority bloc composed of Senators Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros has filed its first resolution — a call to free detained former opposition lawmaker Leila de Lima.
“Hence, the Department will rely on the sound discretion of the court on the appreciation of this alleged evidence,” he told reporters.
The two senators confirmed on Tuesday that they filed the resolution ahead of the formal announcement of the minority bloc’s formation.
In Senate Resolution No. 27 filed in July 14, they urged the Department of Justice to immediately drop the drug charges against De Lima and release her from detention. They cited the recent recantations given by at least three key witnesses in her cases.
More minority senators in the future?
Hontiveros added at least one female senator from the majority also expressed intent to co-author the resolution to free De Lima from her five-year detention.
She added they are holding on to the remark of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla that he is willing to review De Lima’s case.
“Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, early on sa administrasyon sinabi ng justice secretary na kung sakali hindi sila hahadlang. Kumukuha kami ng pag-asa doon,” the lawmaker said.
[Translation: If I’m not mistaken, the justice secretary previously said they will not stop a review. We find hope in that.]
RELATED: Remulla willing to review De Lima case
Twenty out of 24 senators are part of the majority under the leadership of Sen. Migz Zubiri in the 19th Congress.
Pimentel was elected on Monday as minority leader with Hontiveros making up the bloc. He said they remain open for other lawmakers who will eventually decide to move to the minority.
Meanwhile siblings Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano opted to declare themselves as “independent” senators.
