MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Leila De Lima's former driver and alleged lover failed to attend the House Justice committee public hearing on the alleged drug trafficking operations in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) despite being summoned.
Police authorities have served subpoenas to Ronnie Dayan and former Department of Justice (DOJ) undersecretary Francisco Baraan III ordering them to attend the inquiry at the House on Thursday and Friday.
READ: House summons Leila driver, ex-DOJ official
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that the DOJ does not have information on Dayan's whereabouts.
"Wala tayong balita. Hindi nagpapakita si Ronnie Dayan, pero nag-appeal na ako sa kanya kahapon sa TV na hindi naman siya dapat magtago kasi wala naman siyang demanda pa," Aguirre said in a televised press briefing.
Aguirre said that Dayan may be placed under the Witness Protection Program if he decides to cooperate in the investigation.
Dayan will be held in contempt if he does not show up at the House inquiry.
"Actually 'pag hindi siya sumipot ngayon, baka gumawa na ang subpoena sa kanya ang House baka i-declare siya in contempt ... Handang mag-issue ang House ng warrant for his arrest," the Justice secretary said.
Meanwhile, Baraan left the country for the United States last August 25, Aguirre said. Baraan was not able to receive his subpoena as he was out of the country.
The DOJ is set to present 13 witnesses that will testify that De Lima was involved in the illegal drug trade inside the NBP. Aguirre said that the testimonies of the witnesses will be "material and explosive."
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