PSG: De Lima's ex-aide not pressured to implicate her

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Security Group refuted Wednesday Sen. Leila De Lima’s claim that Sgt. Jonel Sanchez, her former bodyguard, was pressured to sign an affidavit that would link her to the illegal drugs trade at the New Bilibid Prisons.

 

“We have seen the press conference of Sen. De Lima and [it has] come to our attention that she was informed by her asset that her former security aide, Sergaent Jonel Sanchez, was being forced to sign an affidavit,” Lt. Col. Michael Aquino, PSG spokesperson, said in a press briefing.

 

“To date, he (Sanchez) has not signed any affidavit to that effect,” he added.

 

De Lima has also said that the government has exerted pressure, including torture, to convince inmates at NBP to testify against her.

 

Aquino said Sanchez has signified his interest to choose his own lawyer. 

 

“Since we fully respect his right to counsel, we have given him enough leverage to produce one. Therefore, the text message sent to Senator De Lima has no basis,” he added.

 

Sanchez was security aide to De Lima while she was Justice secretary.

 

Early this month, Herbert Colanggo (earlier reported as Colangco), an NBP inmate convicted for drug trafficking and robbery, told lawmakers in a House hearing that he had produced money to help fund De Lima's senatorial bid. He claimed to have started contributing money to de Lima’s campaign in October 2013 and given the money through Sanchez.

 

The PSG is now investigating whether Sanchez was involved in alleged drug payoffs at NBP. Sanchez, an Air Force personnel, has been restricted to barracks pending the results of the probe.

 

Aquino said the PSG would allow Sanchez to attend the investigations at the House of Representatives if he is asked to testify.