Item that Nova Parojinog tried to hide wasn't shabu —Topacio

The counsel for Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog denied Tuesday that the item his client tried to hide from authorities during the raid inside their house Sunday was shabu.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, however, refused to say what it was, saying they will divulge it if a case is filed against Parojinog in court.

“Hindi ko muna sasabihin because of the privileged nature, but common sense will dictate that it was not shabu,” Topacio told reporters waiting outside the Philippine National Police Custodial Center.

“Kasi kung shabu ‘yung nilunok mo, shabu is water soluble, it will be instantly absorbed by the body. Kapag nilunok mo ‘yun, aba’y e 'di nangisay ‘yun doon kung ganung quantity ng shabu,” he added.

A cellphone video obtained by GMA News showed Parojinog getting something from her bag while the police were conducting an inspection in her room.

She held the item in her hand as the police insisted on looking at it, trying to pry open her hands.

She managed to put it near her mouth before the cops put handcuffs on her

Topacio insisted that what was seen on the video “is not what it seems.” 

“I will tell you the story at the proper time if a case is filed in court,” he said. —JST/KVD, GMA News