Alvarez to De Lima: Your problem, not ours

CEBU, Philippines - House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said it is not their loss if Senator Leila de Lima chooses not to attend the House inquiry over the alleged prolife-ration of illegal drugs inside the National Bilibid Prison under her watch as then secretary of the Department of Justice.

"If she attends the inquiry, she is welcome. Pero og di sad siya moadto, okay ra pud," said Alvarez in an interview after the PDP-Laban orientation and oathtaking of provisional members in Cebu the other night.

The House of Representatives is set to conduct an investigation on the issue following the passage of House Resolution No. 105 calling for an investigation "in aid of legislation" on the accountability of De Lima on the proliferation of drugs in the New Bilibid Prison during her term as justice secretary.

Alvarez said that if De Lima will not attend such investigation, they will respect parliamentary courtesy.

"If you (De Lima) don't defend yourself then that is your problem, not ours," said Alvarez.

De Lima have earlier stressed that she would not attend the inquiries because she believes there is no legitimate matter to be investigated. De Lima pointed out that she led a number of raids inside the prison facility which yielded to a number of contrabands. This, she said, was her initiative, which is why she does not understand why she will be investigated.

Alvarez added that they will be presenting several witnesses and resource speakers during the House-initiated investigation.

The House Speaker further said that the names of the witnesses and resource speakers will be announced soon through the media. (FREEMAN)