A son of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim accused of drug possession and drug pushing has been released after posting P400,000 bail.
Manuel Lim was ordered released by Judge Adelina Calderon-Bargas of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 13 from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency jail in Quezon City last Wednesday.
The PDEA made lapses in complying with the dangerous drugs law when they apprehended Lim, the court said.
Lim’s co-accused, Joel Sabado, and Ronald Pascual have not yet posted bail, although the court also granted their petition for bail.
The prosecutor recommended P600,000 bail for each of the accused. Lim’s petition to lower his bail to P400,000 was granted.
Records said Lim’s petition for bail is anchored on the view that the evidence of his guilt is not strong, considering that none of the accused had arranged the deal, and that the PDEA presented only a P500 bill as evidence.
The PDEA failed to use the boodle money during the buy-bust, rendering the operation void, Lim contended.
Lim, 44, was charged with selling 100 grams of shabu with Pascual and Sabado in Sta. Cruz, Manila on March 14. – Sandy Araneta