Quezon City court cites Leila de Lima’s ex-driver in contempt

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City court yesterday cited Sen. Leila de Lima’s former driver for indirect contempt after he refused to testify against her.

Ronnie Dayan, said to be a former lover of De Lima, was supposed to testify against the senator in the disobedience to summons case she is facing before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 34.

Citing his right against self-incrimination, Dayan refused to testify and explained that he and De Lima were facing the same complaint.

“Ayaw niyang magtestigo. Obviously, napilitan lang siya maupo sa witness stand pero hindi siya napilit ng husgado na sagutin and mga tanong ng prosecution,” De Lima’s lawyer, Filibion Tacardon, told reporters.

Dayan’s refusal prompted Judge Ma. Ludmilla De Pio Lim Pero to cite him for indirect contempt.

He was ordered to pay a fine of P200.

Dayan appeared during the trial after the court junked his motion to quash a subpoena for him to testify.

He is being held at the Muntinlupa City jail on drug charges, which he and De Lima are facing.

De Lima, who also attended the trial, was whisked away to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The court set the next hearing on May 15.