Sotto visits De Lima in detention

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Thursday paid a visit to Sen. Leila De Lima, who is currently detained at Camp Crame over drug-related cases.

In a statement, the detained lawmaker said Sotto visited her to check on her situation and discuss Senate-related matters.

“We have talked about how I can actively participate in Senate hearings and in pushing for significant legislative measures that will improve the plight of our countrymen,” De Lima said.

She expressed appreciation to Sotto, an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, for taking into considerations the bills and resolutions she filed in the upper chamber.

“I am looking forward and assured the Senate leadership to work with them closely in fulfilling my duties as the chair of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development as well as my mandate to the Filipino people,” De Lima said.

Sotto’s predecessor, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also visited De Lima in jail last year.

The vocal critic of the president has been jailed for over 490 days.

De Lima has been accused of protecting and coddling drug traders inside the New Bilibid Prison. She has repeatedly denied the charges.