Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on
Monday admitted that he did not have sufficient documentary evidence yet to
file an “airtight” case against Sen. Leila de Lima in connection with the
illegal drug trade at New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre before the
Congressional hearing and inquiry on illegal drug trade in National Bilibid
Prison, October 10, 2016.NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/Philippine Daily Inquirer
“In terms of testimonial evidence, we have
so much. But like what I said, I just don’t file cases. When I file, I want it
airtight. In terms of documentary evidence, linking the bank deposits amounting
to billions of pesos from the illegal transaction of De Lima and her
companions, that’s what’s difficult. One shouldn’t wing it,” Aguirre said in a
press conference.
In the series of hearings in the
House, Aguirre presented 10 witnesses, including convicted felons who claimed
knowledge of De Lima’s alleged connections to the NBP drug trade.
The witnesses said De Lima demanded money
from them to fund her senatorial bid. She has denied wrongdoing.
Aguirre said there were 10 bank accounts
amounting to P15 billion deposited in three banks, and the Department of
Justice was working with the Anti-Money Laundering Council to trace these bank
accounts. -
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