MANILA, Philippines — "If he retracted his confession about being a drug lord, he most probably also retracted his statement about me, Sen. Leila de Lima said from her in the wake of news of the dropping of charges against top drug suspects Kerwin Espinosa, Peter Lim and others.
In a post on her Facebook page, De Lima concurred with Philippine National Police Director General Ronald "Bato" De La Rosa, whom she refers to as "finally talking sense" after he lamented that the DOJ failed to advise police that the case against Espinosa was weak.
Espinosa, Dayan testimonies full of 'inconsistencies'
De Lima also decried the testimonies given by Espinosa and her former driver Ronnie Dayan, whose statements would form the basis of De Lima's current incarceration.
"Kerwin did say that he gave money to me through Ronnie Dayan, a claim that the latter struggled to 'corroborate.' But it was all too clear to anyone listening that their testimonies were laden with glaring, material inconsistencies."
De Lima further criticized the DOJ for its belated revelation that Espinosa had retracted his testimony admitting his involvement in the drug trade.
A new DOJ panel has been formed to review the dismissal of the case.
'More questions please'
De Lima also questioned whether Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Sandra Cam, who met with Espinosa, may have had a hand in forcing the latter to give the statement.
She also speculated on the possibility of Director General dela Rosa having a hand in instructing Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido — former Albuera, Leyte police chief — to give his statement on de Lima, and PNP officials pressuring Dayan to give his.
Ending the statement, de Lima listed Cam, dela Rosa and Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Acosta, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson Dante Jimenez and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio as allegedly being part of an operation headed by Aguirre "out to destroy de Lima at all cost" upon orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.
"Will you also kill me? I hope not. You'll be found out and the people and the entire world will come for you... and you will be held to account! God forgive all of you."
One year in jail
De Lima has been detained at the PNP Custodial Center since February 24, 2017, when she surrendered over a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Juanita Guerrero of the Regional Trial Court Muntinlupa Branch 204 for allegations of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act along with Dayan.
In November 2016, Kerwin Espinosa testified that he gave De Lima P8 million through Dayan, the sum being in aid of her senatorial campaign. The meeting was allegedly facilitated by Espenido.