Gordon on privileges for inmates: Anti-De Lima witnesses deserve some support

Senator Richard Gordon on Tuesday said there was no problem with giving witnesses—included convicted criminals doing time—certain privileges if they testified in a particular investigation, just as long as such were not abused.

Gordon’s remark came after a memorandum surfaced last week, indicating that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had authorized certain special privileges to high-profile inmates who testified against Senator Leila De Lima as regards her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“I don't sweat the small stuff. Nakalabas sila dahil magtetestify sila. Nakalabas sila dahil allegedly tutulong sila sa gobyerno. So tama lang na bigyan mo sila ng kaunting suporta, 'wag lang silang bigyan ng kung anu-ano pa,” Gordon said in a Balitanghali interview.

The senator said it would not be much of a surprise to him if Aguirre indeed authorized special privileges for the inmates.

“Hindi naman ako magtataka kung talagang totoo. Kasi kinuha mo sila para mag-testify. Ginawa mo silang witness mo. Siyempre, mas maluwag na 'yung hawak mo sa mga 'yan. Gusto mo happy sila, hindi sila nahihirapan. So sa akin, hindi big deal 'yan,” Gordon said.

“Masama kung lumalabas sila, naggu-good time, nagdadala sila ng babae. Sa lahat ng institution, nangyayari 'yan. Kapag kumuha ka ng witness, kailangan alagaan mo, kaya lang hindi sila pwede lumabas,” he added.

Still, Gordon said inmates who testified should not be given their own cellphones and be allowed to freely contact anyone.

“Sa akin, ex-komunikado pa rin sila dapat. Kung may cellphone 'yan, baka makausap 'yan, umatras na. Sa akin hindi ako papayag doon,” he said.

Using these “privileges,” Gordon said, should be in moderation and monitored by authorities.

“Bago sila gumamit ng cellphone dapat magpaalam sila, hindi nila hawak ang cellphone nila. Ang aircon, kapag matutulog lang. Ang TV, dapat may oras. Walang masama doon,” he said. —NB, GMA News