Rody: Leila 100% safe

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Leila de Lima is “100 percent safe” at Camp Crame, President Duterte said yesterday, as he advised his outspoken critic to pray for the truth to come out.

Arrested last Friday on charges that she had accepted bribes from imprisoned drug lords, De Lima has expressed fears for her safety, noting killings of some inmates right inside their cells. 

But Duterte said the senator’s fears are unfounded.

“I think people are interested not to see her dead but to see her in prison for what she did,” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview.

Asked what his message to De Lima is, Duterte replied: “Well, she can always pray that the truth will come out eventually if there is another truth.”

He said it’s not his habit to kill people and that he only kills criminals who deserve to die.

“How can we move in this country kung lahat bangag sa droga (if everyone is high on drugs)?” 

“Even if I’m just like this, I love my country and I would really destroy you,” he said, referring to drug lords.

Duterte declined to comment about claims that there was insufficient evidence against the senator.

“I think the case has been filed, a warrant has been issued and it is sub judice. I would not want to violate the standard operating procedure of court. You’re not supposed to be giving your opinion while the case is pending,” he said.

Duterte said he does not know if another prominent personality would be arrested over illegal drugs.

“Honestly, I have not called (Justice Secretary Vitaliano) Aguirre once. That’s the truth. I don’t interfere with their jobs,” the President said.