Peter Lim denies drug raps at DOJ

MANILA, Philippines (Updated; First published at 12 a.m.) — Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim yesterday appeared before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and denied the drug trading charges filed against him by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The kumpare of President Duterte, who wore face mask and shades, submitted to the investigating panel his counter-affidavit seeking dismissal of the charges of sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery and transportation of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

In his counter-affidavit, Lim vehemently denied the drug charges as "baseless and nonsensical."

He said he is never involved in illegal drug trade in Central Visayas as alleged by the PNP and never met Marcelo Adorco or Kerwin Espinosa and other respondents linked in the illegal drug trade.

The businessman again denied that he was the alias Jaguar on the government's "narcolist," recalling that he even earlier presented himself before the National Bureau of Investigation.

Lim did not grant an interview with the media and immediately left the DOJ after subscribing to his affidavit before investigating Assistant State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes in the afternoon.

His lawyer Majilyn Loja explained to reporters that Lim did not want his filing of formal answer covered by the media.

'Fearful for his life'

Earlier in the day, Lim did not attend the preliminary investigation hearing where lawyer Loja submitted the counter-affidavit he subscribed before Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Antonio Valencia at the Manila City prosecutor's office last Tuesday, August 22, as allowed under Rule 112 of the Rules of Court.

The lawyer cited her client's security concerns in deciding to instead subscribe to his affidavit before the Manila prosecutor's office.

"He has enumerated the confluence of events why he's fearful for his life; it is quite specific as to the reasons why he is unable to appear before today's preliminary investigation," she said.

Loja explained that Lim felt that the security at Manila City Hall where the city prosecutor's office is located is better than that at the DOJ.

"Did you see the number of people around? We could not be sure about the security. It was a personal decision that he made. Access to this place (DOJ) is available to anyone who can come in regardless. Unfortunately, the panel is unable to appreciate the fear that my client has regarding the safety of his life," the lawyer said.

The DOJ panel rejected the explanation and still required Lim to appear before them, prompting the lawyer to return to the DOJ in the afternoon with her client.

Apart from Lim, Adorco and Espinosa, the other respondents in the complaint filed by PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group are inmate Peter Co, Max Miro, Lovely Adam Impal, Ruel Malindangan and Jun Pepito.

Co and Espinosa appeared in the hearing and submitted their affidavits.

The other respondents were given until the next hearing on September 6 to file their respective answers.

Espinosa, confessed drug dealer and son of slain drug Lord Mayor Rolando Espinosa, is currently under government's witness protection program after his testimony in the drug charges against detained Sen. Leila de Lima. Co, on the other hand, is a high-profile inmate in the New Bilibid Prison recently transferred back to the maximum security compound.

Impal was also arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency last January.

The PNP complaint tagged Lim as the alleged supplier of illegal drugs to the group of Espinosa.

It identified Co and Impal as among those who supplied illegal drugs to Espinosa’s operation in Central and Eastern Visayas.    

The DOJ has already issued earlier a lookout bulletin order against Lim and other respondents.  

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II earlier revealed that Espinosa may turn state witness in the drug charges against Lim.

To recall, Espinosa tagged Lim as top illegal supplier in Central Visayas during Senate inquiry on illegal drug trade last year.