De Lima camp: DOJ’s motion for inhibition a ‘dilatory tactic’

The camp of former Senator Leila de Lima on Friday called the prosecution’s motion for inhibition against a Muntinlupa court judge a dilatory tactic.

“This is clearly another dilatory tactic of the prosecution to prevent Senator Leila de Lima from being free,” Atty. Dino de Leon, De Lima’s spokesperson, said in an interview on ANC.

On Thursday, Judge Abrahan Alcantara granted the prosecution’s motion and recused himself from handling De Lima’s remaining drug case, leading the case to be raffled off for a second time.

This came after the prosecution moved for his inhibition “to ensure a just and fair administration of justice,” noting that he had previously acquitted De Lima.

“In this particular instance, it’s the DOJ saying its own justice system cannot be trusted which is why they have to inhibit— they have to ask for the inhibition of its trial judge,” De Leon said.

However, De Leon argued that just because the judge acquitted De Lima in another case does not mean he would acquit her again.

“The decision of the judge is based on evidence. Now, if the judge acquitted Senator Leila de Lima in Criminal Case 165 based on evidence, the assumption is the prosecution has a different set of evidence in Criminal Case 167,” he said.

De Leon further said that the argument given by the prosecution was not a ground for inhibition.

According to the lawyer, their camp was alarmed as it felt like there was “immense pressure” on the part of Alcantara as they were not given a chance to comment on his inhibition.

He also questioned the upcoming raffle of the case.

“But who else can try this case? Almost all the judges have already recused themselves in Muntinlupa, save for I think just one judge. So is there really going to be a raffle?” he said.

De Leon said eight judges have inhibited themselves from handling De Lima’s drug cases.

When asked what will happen should all judges inhibit, he said the Supreme Court may assign a judge to be assigned in Muntinlupa.

He said the case may also be transferred to another area.

“If my memory serves me right, if there’s going to be a chance wherein the dispensation of justice will be endangered, then the Supreme Court can actually order a replacement of venue or a transfer of venue,” he said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the DOJ but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said the prosecution submitted the motion of their “own volition” and that the DOJ is just currently respecting the process. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News