De Lima, lawyers file criminal raps vs. witness in drug case

De Lima, lawyers file criminal raps vs. witness in drug case
(GMA News) Senator Leila de Lima and her lawyers on Wednesday filed a criminal complaint against a murder convict who linked her to the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

In a complaint filed before the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office, De Lima said inmate Joel Capones should be indicted for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading because he had confessed to his participation in the illicit activity in court.

The complaint said Capones admitted before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 256 last February that he and other members of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang, including one Ferdie Morellos, one Reynaldo Punga and one Anton Miya, agreed and sold illegal drugs in exchange for a sum of money and particular benefits inside the NBP.

Morellos, Punga, Miya and 10 other unidentified members of Sigue Sigue Sputnik were included in the complaint for the same crime.

“Here, the judicial confession made by Mr. Capones may be used against him. First, Mr. Capones’ confession clearly involves acknowledgment of his participation in the crime of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading. Second, the confession was categorical and definite,” de Lima said.

Capones earlier testified that de Lima received P1.4 million in drug money when the latter visited the NBP in March 2014.

De Lima had also opposed Capones’ application for parole or executive clemency, citing his confession on his participation in the illegal drug trade inside the NBP.

He is currently detained in a facility of the Philippine Marines in Taguig City.

De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Quezon City for more than four years on charges of involvement in the Bilibid drug trade when she was secretary of justice.

The senator has denied the allegations… Read More