DOJ wants De Lima lawyers cited in contempt over public statements on drug trial

The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants the lawyers of Senator Leila de Lima to be cited in contempt of court for making public statements regarding the legislator's ongoing trial on drug-related charges.

Accusing the De Lima camp of violating the sub judice rule, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said prosecutors will file a petition for contempt before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court "latest by next week."

The sub judice rule restricts making comments on matters pending in court to avoid the prejudging of cases. Sub judice is Latin for "under judgment."

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay virtual news forum, Malcontento said prosecutors will not engage in a "media war" with De Lima's lawyers, whom he accused of releasing only "snippets" of witness testimonies to the media after court hearings.

"It's not fair because we have to respect the independence of the courts, so kami we will not engage into that kind of thing," the prosecutor general said.

He said there has been no recantation of testimonies during the trial.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said it has always been the policy of his department not to discuss the merits of an ongoing case with the media.

"It's one thing to state facts about the court proceedings; it's a totally different matter to give an opinion about the weight of the evidence," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Sought for comment, one of De Lima's lawyers, Boni Tacardon, said: "The defense team will come out with a formal statement on the matter."

In 2018, no less than the Supreme Court allowed media coverage of De Lima's trial, subject to conditions like reporters only being allowed to take down notes and not use recording devices.

After hearings, journalists were able to interview the senator's lawyers and prosecutors themselves. De Lima was also occasionally able to shout out short answers to reporters' questions while surrounded by her police guards.

But courts are now operating with COVID-19 guidelines, and De Lima has been participating in hearings through videoconferencing.

The senator faces charges for her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison illegal drug trade while she was secretary of justice. Denying the allegations, the staunch Duterte administration critic claims the cases are politically motivated. — RSJ, GMA News