Leila runs to CA to stop DOJ drug inquiry

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Leila de Lima has asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to stop the preliminary investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the drug trafficking and other criminal charges filed against her.

In a 46-page petition for prohibition and certiorari obtained by reporters yesterday, De Lima urged the appellate court to issue a temporary restraining order enjoining the DOJ from resolving the complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), crime watchdog group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), former NBI deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala and high-value inmate Jaybee Sebastian.

Arguing that the DOJ has no jurisdiction over the case, De Lima said the graft charges against her should be forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman.

As for the drug trafficking case, she said the DOJ needs to determine first if the alleged offense was committed during her stint as justice secretary.

De Lima said the probe being conducted by the DOJ was a waste of time and government resources.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said the DOJ prosecutors would submit their findings to the Office of the Ombudsman.

De Lima also branded the DOJ investigation as a mere “charade” aimed at persecuting her for being vocal against the government’s war on drugs.

She questioned the impartiality and objectivity of the DOJ in resolving the charges.

“The integrity of the investigation of the cases appears to be tainted and compromised, as no less than the President and the DOJ secretary have prejudged the guilt of the petitioner,” the petition read.

De Lima had filed a petition for habeas data before the Supreme Court challenging the immunity from criminal suits of President Duterte over her supposed persecution under his administration.