Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14) — Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who allegedly forced a witness to testify against former Senator Leila de Lima, is one of the people who may face a complaint after the latter was allowed to post bail for her remaining drug case.
“The testimony of former BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) director Rafael Ragos which says he was coerced to testify against De Lima opens former Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to charges of subornation of perjury,” former Senate President Franklin Drilon told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday.
He was referring to Ragos, a principal witness in one of De Lima’s drug cases who later recanted his allegations. He claimed he was \”forced\” by Aguirre to execute affidavits implicating the former lawmaker in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as he received \”threats of being detained.\”
Aguirre was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was the subject of De Lima’s criticisms due to his bloody war against illegal drugs.
Under the Revised Penal Code, Drilon said Aguirre may be imprisoned for 10-12 years if proven guilty.
Meanwhile, Drilon said there is no evidence yet that Duterte \”induced and directed\” the filing of De Lima’s cases. Once there is, the former chief executive may also be charged with subornation of perjury.
