De Lima leaves country amid protests
Sen. Leila De Lima left for the US to receive an award and will later on fly to speak at the Annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, Germany. Philstar.com/AJ Bolando, File
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Leila De Lima on Sunday flew to the United States (US) despite protests staged against her departure.
De Lima left for the US to receive an award and will later on fly to speak at the Annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, Germany. She will return to the country on December 22.
The Department of Justice earlier issued a lookout bulletin against De Lima and her former driver-bodyguard Ronnie Dayan for their alleged involvement in the proliferation of the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. However, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said the senator is allowed to leave the country since the complaint is not yet in courts.
An allow departure order was issued for De Lima's planned trips. Senate President Aquilino “Kiko” Pimentel III also allowed her to travel.
A number of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) members last Sunday staged a protest against De Lima’s departure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. VACC also earlier urged President Rodrigo Duterte to prevent the senator from leaving and revoke her clearance, saying her departure is a sign of her guilt.
Prior to her departure, De Lima vowed that she will return to the country.
“There is, however, nothing to worry about as I will surely return, along with my staff who will be with me during these foreign visits. I hope my brief absence would provide a welcome relief and respite to my detractors and critics. I will keep them in mind, though,” she said in a statement.
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday vouched for De Lima’s promise that she will return from her foreign trip and face the charges against her. Lacson said De Lima’s travel is legal since there are no hold departure orders hindering her.
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