Ex-aide testifies on De Lima's romantic relationship with driver

MANILA, Philippines — A former security aide of Sen. Leila De Lima claimed at the resumption of the House inquiry into the proliferation of the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison that she had a romantic relationship with her former driver and alleged bagman.

Joenel Sanchez was assigned as close-in security to De Lima on May 2015.

The witness said that De Lima's security team when she was the secretary of Justice was headed by Dayan, whom they referred to as "Boss."

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"Napansin ko lang ang di pangkaraniwang pagkamalapit ni Ronnie Dayan at SOJ (Secretary of Justice)  De Lima. Sa kalaunan, nakumpirma ko na may relasyon ang dalawa dahil si Ronnie Dayan ay sa bahay ni SOJ De Lima natutulog," Sanchez said in his sworn statement.

Sanchez told the members of the House committee on justice that he noticed the "sweetness" between De Lima and Dayan when they visited the former Justice secretary's home in the Bicol region.

"Habang kami ay bumabyahe papuntang probinsya, sila po ay nagsusubuan ng nilagang saging na saba," the witness said.

The witness added that De Lima was fond of buying personal items for Dayan such as clothes and shoes.

Alleged sex video

De Lima's former aide also narrated how he and another driver of De Lima called "Bantam" discovered the alleged sex video between the senator and her alleged lover.

"Nagulat po ako nang ipinakita ni Bantam sa akin ang video ni SOJ De Lima at Ronnie Dayan na may dalawang sex video, and isa video ay nagpoposing si SOJ De Lima malapit sa shower room ng hubo't hubad at ang isa namang video ay nag bi-'BJ' si SOJ De Lima kay Ronnie Dayan," the statement read.

Sanchez claimed that De Lima and Dayan broke up due to another of De Lima's security aides Warren Cristobal.

"Pinagseselosan ni Ronnie Dayan si Warren Cristobal. Noong March 2015 ay tuluyan nang tinanggal ni SOJ si Ronnie Dayan dahil sa hindi pagkakaunawaan tungkol kay Warren Cristobal," Sanchez said.

Police have served a subpoena on Dayan ordering him to attend the House inquiry. Dayan, however, failed to attend the public hearing on Thursday.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that Dayan might be held in contempt for not attending the House inquiry.

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