Drug raps filed vs De Lima, 7 others

MANILA, Philippines — The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption filed a complaint against Sen. Leila De Lima and seven others for their alleged involvement in the Bilibid drug trade.

The complaint-affidavit was filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for violation of Section 26(b) of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The case was filed against De Lima, former DOJ Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, De Lima's security aide Joenel Sanchez, De Lima's former driver Ronnie Dayan, Bucayu's former staff Wilfredo Ely, Jose Adrian Dera and Bilibid inmate Jaybee Sebastian.

The VACC claimed that the respondents conspired with one another in the sale and trade of illegal drugs inside and outside the New Bilibid Prison from 2012 to 2016.

De Lima allegedly used her authority as then DOJ secretary to promote the proliferation of the drug trade inside the penitentiary.

The VACC based its complaint on the affidavits of several resources including National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Rafael Ragos and NBP inmate Herbert Colanggo.

Meanwhile, De Lima welcomed the drug charges filed against her.

"But the lawyers of VACC and Atty. Topacio should know that such a case against me for acts done while Secretary of Justice should be filed with the Ombudsman, not the DOJ," De Lima said in a statement.

The senator said that the complainants wasted time by filing the case before the DOJ.

"I challenge all those filing cases against me to file directly with the Ombudsman, which is the proper agency with jurisdiction, instead of the DOJ," the senator said.

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