DOJ to prosecute De Lima even after some witnesses take back testimonies

The Department of Justice has found good reason to continue the prosecution of Senator Leila De Lima even after some witnesses took back their testimonies in the drug cases against her, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has said.

Guevarra said the DOJ prosecution panel took the position that the recantations had no probative value until the said individuals were presented in court for examination to ascertain their truthfulness.

“After a thorough review of the evidence already presented as well as evidence still to be presented, there is good reason to continue the active prosecution of the senator,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Calls to free the detained senator were renewed after self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and former Bureau of Corrections official Rafael Ragos retracted their drug allegations against De Lima.

Marcelo Adorco, Espinosa's supposed bodyguard and driver, also recanted all his allegations against him and other personalities, including the senator.

“In any event, the final say on the disposition of the cases rests on the judge alone and no other,” Guevarra said.

In a statement, De Lima's legal team said the review was "worthless" if it was conducted by the same panel of DOJ prosecutors who were "perfectly aware" that Ragos' testimonies were "all lies."

"If the review was done by the same DOJ Panel of Prosecutors whom Ragos said were perfectly aware that his testimony was just manufactured and all lies, then the review is worthless. The review should be undertaken by prosecutors who are not tainted by Ragos' accusation of participating in the manufacture of evidence," De Lima's legal team said.

Meanwhile, convicted drug dealer Herbert Colanggo

In a tweet, De Lima said she has no ill feelings against “the convicted criminals who were coerced or bribed to falsely testify” against her.

“But when this is done with relish and gusto, like how Herbert Colanggo seems to enjoy the spotlight, whether when speaking to the media or on the witness stand, then that is another matter altogether, “ De Lima said.

“Colanggo is actually savoring every moment of his role in this charade, while showing his handlers that his performance is worth every bribe and privilege that they promised him,” she added.

Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said the DOJ would not oppose De Lima's motion for a medical furlough from June 19 to 25.

However, he said she should be subject to the usual protocols.

“Security arrangements, no media interviews relating to the merits of the cases, to submit reports of the medical procedures to the court and related matters,” Malcontento said.

Filibon Tacardon, one of De Lima's lawyers, said the senator would undergo a "major procedure that will remove a part of her uterus."

Tacardon said that the planned surgery had been delayed for some time and that her doctor had already recommended doing it "now." — with Hana Bordey/NB/VBL, GMA News