De Lima: Matobato, Lascañas ‘credible’ due to lack of motive to lie

MANILA, Philippines — For detained Sen. Leila De Lima, self-confessed hitmen Edgar Matobato and former SPO3 Arthur are credible witnesses because of their lack of motive to lie.

“What gives both their testimonies credibility, especially the statements given under oath by Lascañas recently, is said witnesses’ utter lack of motive to lie or manufacture accusations implicating the most powerful man in the country,” De Lima said in a released statement.

“These statements are made against their own interest. By coming out and telling their stories, Matobato and Lascañas have everything to lose because they have just pitted themselves against the powers of the President and an entire government,” she added.

De Lima pointed out that Lascañas’ testimony, which is expected to corroborate the previous revelations of Matobato, would be crucial in exposing the truth behind the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS).

Due to this, De Lima expressed hopes that her colleagues at the Senate will keep an open mind in the ongoing hearing. This is the first day the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs conducted an inquiry into the DDS.

“I have great hope that today's hearing will be very productive. I am certain that my colleagues will place, above all else, the sacred duty of the Philippine Senate, as an institution, to stand for Truth, Justice, and the Rule of Law,” De Lima said.

The senator stressed that Filipinos need to know the truth since the president could possibly be involved in the alleged killings.

“They deserve to know if, indeed, a murderer is now occupying the most powerful position in the national government,” De Lima said.

I have great faith they can handle the truth. We need to know the truth. No matter how painful it may be. No matter how UGLY it may be,” she added.

De Lima previously chaired the Committee on Human Rights and Justice, which handled a probe where Matobato testified against Duterte. She, however, was ousted as the chair and was replaced by Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon. — Rosette Adel