Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28) — A Muntinlupa court has decided to reopen the trial on a drug case against former Senator Leila de Lima which was already submitted for decision, acceding to the prosecution’s request to allow the presentation of rebuttal evidence.
In an order dated April 24 but released only on Thursday evening, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 set an April 28 hearing for the additional evidence in one of De Lima’s two remaining drug cases.
This is “in the interest of justice,” the tribunal said, adding that it “does not shrink from its responsibility to receive evidence in order to ferret out the truth.”
However, the court noted that the promulgation scheduled on May 12 shall be strictly maintained so as not to cause any delay in the case. [LINK: De Lima drug case submitted for decision, promulgation expected on May 12]
It also ordered the prosecution to fully present its rebuttal witness in just one day and prohibited any motion for continuance.
De Lima’s camp confirmed her attendance in the hearing scheduled at 8:30 a.m.
Last week, state prosecutors asked the court reopen the trial, saying in their motion that they intend to present the testimony of their witness, Atty. Demiteer Huerta of the Public Attorney’s Office.
Former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos – one of the four witnesses who withdrew their testimonies against De Lima – claimed in his affidavit that Huerta was present when former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II allegedly threatened and coerced him to falsely testify against De Lima.
Prosecutors earlier said they are confident that their rebuttal evidence would “explain, repel, counteract, or disprove the evidence of the adversary.”
But in challenging the motion to reopen proceedings, De Lima’s camp pointed out that both parties already agreed last April 17 to submit the case for resolution. It argued that the panel of prosecutors’ agreement constitutes a waiver of their opportunity to further present rebuttal evidence.
It also said that the presentation of Huerta does not amount to any positive claim that will add to the already lengthy cross-examination that the panel conducted.
De Lima has been detained since 2017 for allegedly allowing the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary. She was also accused of financing her 2016 senatorial campaign using drug money from inmates.
But the former senator has maintained her innocence and accused the Duterte administration of fabricating charges against her for investigating its bloody drug war.
