De Lima on Revilla opposition to her Senate participation: People know the real victims

“People know who are, and are not, the real victims of political persecution.”

This was the short response of detained Senator Leila de Lima on Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.’s earlier statement that allowing her to participate in the Senate proceedings would be a form of special treatment and double standard.

Sen De Lima’s reaction to Revilla, others opposing her Senate participation: People know who are, and are not, the real victims of political persecution. pic.twitter.com/xLNgzfFB24

— Amita O. Legaspi (@amitalegaspi) August 28, 2019

Revilla had said that when he was incarcerated “due to politically motivated charges,” a very vocal group was against his participation in Senate proceedings.

“In fact, it was the official position of the Senate leadership at the time that the absence of three senators would have no impact on legislation,” Revilla said.

Aside from him, charged and jailed for plunder over the multi-billion pork barrel scam were former senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada. Revilla has been acquitted while the two are out on bail and their cases are still being heard by the Sandiganbayan.

De Lima was the justice secretary when the cases were filed.

“Wala yang pinagkaiba sa sitwasyon ko noon. Halatang halata naman ang special treatment ‘pag pinayagan ‘yan ngayon,” said Revilla.

Senate Resolution No. 51 filed by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Panfilo Lacson seeks to allow De Lima participate in plenary sessions through teleconferencing.

Lacson said Senate is a deliberative body and the resolution has to be discussed first.

“The resolution to allow Senator De Lima to participate in Senate proceedings has been referred to the Committee on Rules which may or may not recommend to plenary the adoption of the said resolution,” he said in a text message to GMA News Online.

He clarified that nothing in the resolution states that De Lima should be allowed to vote since under the Rules of the Senate, her physical presence is required.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, committee on rules chairman, said they will first seek comment from the court and the Philippine National Police before deciding if they will bring the resolution to the plenary for deliberation. 

The PNP said it would respect whatever decision is issued by the courts. — RSJ, GMA News