LP senators oppose showing of alleged De Lima video

MANILA, Philippines — Showing an alleged sex video of Sen. Leila de Lima at a House of Representatives' public hearing is disrespectful, deplorable and illegal, senators said on Thursday.

Liberal Party Sens. Francis Pangilinan, Franklin Drilon and Bam Aquino released a joint statement opposing the proposed showing of the video in House Committee on Justice's inquiry on the proliferation of drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison.

"Regardless of the authenticity of the alleged videos, viewing it is disrespectful to a sitting senator, to her person, and to the office she holds, and is violative of the law," the senators said.

Allowing the viewing of De Lima's supposed video with her former driver Ronnie Dayan violates the Anti-Voyeurism Law, the Anti Wiretapping Law and the Revised Penal Code on Crimes against Honor.

The Anti-Voyeurism Law prohibits the recording and the broadcast of videos with sexual content with or without the consent of the persons involved.

On the other hand, the Anti-Wiretapping Law prohibits and penalizes the playing of recordings of private communication without the consent of persons involved.

Such recordings prohibited in both laws are inadmissible as evidence in legislative hearings.

Viewing of the alleged video in a House inquiry can also be considered as slander or incriminatory machinations.

"We appeal to the members of House of Representatives to be more circumspect of our larger roles as legislators: safe keepers of governance traditions and examples to our children," the statement read.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said that he will allow the showing of the supposed sex video as long as it is done to find the truth.

READ: Alvarez: Panel may show alleged De Lima video 'to find truth'