"Yes, that is so unfortunate for Sen. de Lima, as she was deprived from her right to be present at the president's SONA. We should remember the she is an elected official, and that allegations against her were obviously politically motivated." Former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Etta Rosales said in an ambush interview this Friday.
"And yes, I heard her lawyers are requesting for at least a small TV set so that she can still watch it from her cell. I hope this time, her wish could be granted." Rosales added, who along with some lawyers and human rights advocates, recently asked the Supreme Court (SC) to order Congress to convene and discuss the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
As we can all remember, Sen. de Lima attended President Duterte's first SONA last year. But while walking towards the podium, the president took a step back and greeted the Liberal Party senator. In fact, he reached out his hand to her and offered a handshake, which the lady senator accepted. Later, Duterte was seen making a childish smirk at her.
De Lima, a staunch critic of President Duterte, was arrested and sent to jail last February 24. This is after Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Judge Juanita Guerrero ordered her arrest for her alleged involvement proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). The case was filed by the DOJ, the same government agency she once led.
The night before, Ronnie Dayan, Sen. De Lima's former driver-bodyguard was also arrested in his Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. In a series of House and Senate hearings, he said he has been receiving millions of money from drug lords, and gave them to the lady senator. She has consistently denied the allegations, but admitted she had an affair with Dayan.
Contributed by Renato Pasayao
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