Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Tensions ran high again at the Senate probe on alleged drug killings after a fuming Sen. Leila de Lima walked out late Monday evening over an issue of “concealment” Justice committee chair Dick Gordon and some senators raised.
During the fifth hearing on alleged extrajudicial killings in connection with the government’s ongoing war on drugs, some senators said neither De Lima nor witness Edgar Matobato divulged a case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against the self-confessed former hitman.
This drew the ire of Gordon.
“The concealment was done by you,” Gordon said, referring to De Lima at the tail end of the marathon, 14-hour hearing.
But De Lima refuted this.
“I could not have concealed it because it was disclosed already,” an obviously infuriated De Lima said. “It was disclosed by the witness so what is there to conceal. The record is very clear.”
Sen. Sonny Trillanes had earlier read Matobato’s previous testimony to prove that the witness did divulge a case filed by the NBI for kidnapping for ransom – but was later dismissed.
De Lima then wanted an apology from her colleagues, including the Chair. But there was none.
“And since no apology is forthcoming, I’m walking out,” De Lima said as she stormed out of the session hall.
Read: Policemen named by Matobato deny allegations
In a statement released minutes later, De Lima pointed out that Matobato had already admitted to the case a month ago.
“As early as Sept. 15 hearing, Senate witness Mr. Edgar Matobato admitted that a kidnapping with ransom case was filed against him by the NBI on the murder of Sali Makhdum,” she said. “No material concealment of facts was done.”
Matobato not available
Before this, Gordon was already riled by Matobato’s absence when senators wanted him to appear before the committee after some policemen he named as part of a death squad took the witness stand.
But Matobato was no longer at the plenary hall at that time.
Trillanes said it was his decision not to present Matobato, citing it might compromise his security.
Gordon said Trillanes’ camp should have sought permission first before
allowing Matobato to leave the Senate premises.
He also questioned Trillanes’ claim on Matobato’s safety – saying the witness had already appeared at the Senate several times without compromising his security.
