Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 22) — A co-accused in the drug case of former Senator Leila de Lima and six National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, a day after they were arrested for leaving the NBI’s detention center.
A complaint of corruption of public officials and employees was filed against Jad Dera, while the six NBI security officers were slapped with complaints for infidelity in the custody of prisoners and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.However, Dera’s lawyer Mark Anthony Te maintained his client left the detention facility because he wasn’t feeling well and needed a checkup.Te denied his client went on a date, and said the trip was authorized by the NBI.The lawyer also claimed that the cash seized during Dera’s arrest was intended for food.As per the complaint, ₱101,000. Nung pina check natin, consisting ito ng mga ₱100 bills. Yung pera na yun kasi ginagamit nila as ambagan para sa pagpapaluto sa detention cell,” he said.[Translation: When we checked, it consisted of ₱100 bills. That money was being used for food cooked for the detention cell.]Meanwhile, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said Dera was not authorized to leave the NBI.We can assume hindi siya [it wasn’t not] sanctioned by any office order or any purpose to just leave and have dinner and come back,” Clavano said.
