Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13) — Detained former senator Leila de Lima has urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to stop the Department of Justice (DOJ) from blocking the testimony of a recanting witness in her drug case.
De Lima issued the appeal on her social media account Thursday.
“I will not and will never ask you to interfere with the courts,” De Lima wrote on Twitter, tagging the chief executive.
“This is my earnest and most respectful plea to you, your Excellency: Order DOJ to stop blocking the testimony of the recanting prosecution witness Rafael Ragos and for them to stop presenting obviously perjured witnesses,” she added.
Ragos, former officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Corrections, was among those who recanted accusations against De Lima who has been detained for allegedly allowing the drug trade in the national penitentiary when she was Justice secretary.
Ragos was supposed to testify on his affidavit of recantation two weeks ago, but the DOJ filed a motion for reconsideration against the move.
De Lima noted that such an order from Marcos can “reverse the grievious wrongs inflicted” on her by the past administration.
Earlier this week, Malacañang said the President “cannot and will not intervene” in the pending cases against the former senator.
Mr. President @bongbongmarcos , I will not and will never ask you to interfere with the courts. This is my earnest and most respectful plea to you, your Excellency: Order DOJ to stop blocking the testimony of the recanting prosecution witness Rafael Ragos [1/2]
— Leila de Lima (@AttyLeiladeLima) October 13, 2022
