Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 30) – The remaining drug case of former senator Leila de Lima has been re-raffled to the judge who acquitted her last May.
In an order issued on Thursday, Muntinlupa court Branch 204 Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara confirmed that the case was reassigned to him after the accused Ronnie Dayan, Joenel Sanchez, and Franklin Bucayu sought the inhibition of the judge from Branch 256.
The three said Judge Romeo Buenaventura failed to disclose that he is the brother of Atty. Emmanuel Buenaventura, who previously assisted Dayan in the execution of his affidavit which the accused later said was coerced.
READ: Muntinlupa judge inhibits from De Lima’s drug case after impartiality questioned
Buenaventura recused himself from De Lima’s drug case last June 16. He was also the same judge who denied De Lima’s bail plea.
The former senator already filed her motion for reconsideration.
Alcantara, meanwhile, dismissed De Lima’s second drug case after a key witness recanted his statement.
READ: Muntinlupa court acquits De Lima in 2nd drug case
