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De Lima seeks courts’ permission to attend son’s graduation


Detained Senator Leila de Lima has asked two Muntinlupa courts to allow her to attend the graduation rites of her youngest son early next month.

In her four-page Very Urgent Motion for Furlough filed with the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branches 205 and 206 last May 15, De Lima said her youngest son, Vincent Joshua de Lima Bohol, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in law from San Beda College Alabang on June 3.

“[The] Accused begs leave that she be allowed to share this joyous moment with her son and family, and to be there to continue to affirm her support as her son is set to take the Bar exams in November 2018 to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, taking inspiration from his parents,” she said.

She also asked the court to allow her to stay for two to three more hours after the graduation rites to join her family in a simple dinner reception in celebration of Vincent’s milestone.

She said the Supreme Court and the Sandiganbayan have granted furloughs on special occasions and personal matters, such as birthday of the accused and visit to a sick relative, respectively.

She cited the case of former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, then detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, whose similar motion to attend the high school graduation of his son, Julio Emilio Estrada, was granted by the Sandiganbayan.

“A family member’s graduation is regarded as a milestone event in every Filipino family.  To be personally present in such a special occasion is more than a compelling duty on the part of the accused De Lima as a mother,” she said.

De Lima assured the court that she is not a flight risk and has no intention of fleeing, as proven by how she has been respectful of the legal process at all times.

She also vowed to immediately submit to the court the necessary certifications and specific schedule pertaining to the graduation of her son once duly released by the San Beda College – Alabang, School of Law.

It is the third time that De Lima sought the court’s permission to grant her furlough, the first was to attend the Senate inquiry on the death of Kian de los Santos but was deemed moot, and the second one was to seek medical checkup last May 10 which was granted.

De Lima is set to be arraigned Friday, May 18. The motion is expected to be tackled during the same hearing.

The senator has been in detention for more than a year for the alleged proliferation of illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison during her term as Justice secretary. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News

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