Lim’s son refuses to enter plea in drug case

One of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim’s sons, arrested last month in a drug bust, refused to enter a plea during his arraignment yesterday.

The court entered a plea of “not guilty” for Manuel Lim, 44. Lawyer Reynaldo Bagatsing said his client is questioning the validity of his arrest.  

Lim’s co-accused, Ronald Pascual, 38, and Joel Sabado, 33, pleaded not guilty as all three suspects were arraigned before Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Adelina Bargas.

The three men were arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel after they allegedly tried to sell 100 grams of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride for P340,000. According to PDEA, the current street price of shabu is P6,000 a gram.

Lim and his two companions face charges for selling illegal drugs, a non-bailable offense that carries a penalty of 40 years in jail.

The elder Lim earlier said his son, with whom he has not been on speaking terms for months, should be ready to face the consequences of his actions. – Sandy Araneta