Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The panel of prosecution clarified Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre is not included in the proposed gag order against Senator Leila De Lima.
The gag order will prevent all parties from discussing the merits of the cases against the senator outside the court.
Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong criticized media for the erroneous report, saying they have not asked the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court to include Aguirre in the the gag order. Ong explained it will only be limited to the parties in the cases.
“Very unfair sa part namin na we manifested in court that we might (seek a) gag order… Sabi ni court mag-file kami ng motion tapos nilabas niyo sa TV si Secretary Aguirre na bumababa sa hagdanan para bang pinalabas niyo na tinutukoy namin Secretary Aguirre,” Ong said.
The prosecution has yet to file a formal motion before Judge Juanita Guerrero of Branch 204, requesting for a gag order.
Hearing at Branch 205
The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 under Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz heard on Friday the motion to quash filed by De Lima.
Corpuz gave the senator’s lawyer 10 days to reply on the prosecution’s comment. In turn, the prosecution has 10 days to submit a rejoinder, if they choose to.
On the prosecution’s motion for consolidation, Corpuz also gave De Lima’s lawyer 10 days to comment.
The prosecution wanted to consolidate all three drug cases of De Lima in Branch 204 citing common parties and issues.
Accused John Adrian Dera aka “Jad De Vera” also has a pending motion for judicial determination of probable cause. The prosecution sought 10 days to comment on Dera’s motion.
De Lima’s drug case at Branch 205
Based on the information filed in court, the prosecutors are accusing De Lima along with Dera of having influence over inmate Peter Co in the illegal drug trade.
Dera allegedly extorted and demanded money and vehicles from Co to fund the senatorial bid of De Lima.
Co supposedly traded and trafficked dangerous drugs — and gave De Lima through Dera proceeds in illegal drug trading amounting to P3 million and four vehicles.
Judge Corpuz set the next hearing on April 21.
