Aguirre: 'De Lima' video will not be played in House probe

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged sex video of Sen. Leila de Lima will not be shown when the House Committee on Justice resumes its inquiry on the proliferation of drugs at the New Bilibid Prison on Thursday.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that they would not be presenting the alleged video of the senator and her former driver Ronnie Dayan, GMA News reported.

The Justice secretary, who earlier said the National Bureau of Investigation has copies of three videos, said that they do not have a copy of the video, which supposedly establishes the relationship of De Lima with Dayan.

"No, we are not going to present anything about [the sex video]," Aguirre told reporters, adding that his camp will only present witnesses.

The DOJ chief also noted that it will be the decision of the House panel whether it will allow showing the video in case other people propose to present it.

Aguirre added that the DOJ can establish the alleged link between De Lima and her supposed lover even without the video.

"Very material iyon. Ang sinasabi ko lang, sobra-sobra na ang ebidensiya doon sa magpapatunay sa kanyang relasyon. Kaya whether gamitin mo man o hindi ang video, I could establish their relationship," Aguirre said.

"If during trial, she will not admit relationship with Dayan, we will be forced to present this in court,” Aguirre warned on Sept. 28.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said that the alleged sex video of the senator may be shown in the House probe as long as it is done to find the truth.

At least two lawmakers — Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez and Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza  — have watched the video and President Rodrigo Duterte has also mentioned watching the video in past speeches. 

Several members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have expressed their opposition to showing such a video as it violates the law and demeans women. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

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