Time to Face the Music

The woman who once made a living from sending people to jail, could soon be heading for jail herself. Former Philippine Justice Secretary and now embattled senator, Leila De Lima (photo), involuntarily took the first step on that journey on Friday when her old office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), filed criminal charges with a Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court, citing her with drug offences.

Those cases will be randomly assigned to other courts on Monday afternoon to be reviewed by a judge who will then determine whether the facts presented in the charges show clear probable cause – in other words, sufficient grounds for her arrest. And if they do, an arrest warrant could be issued right then and De Lima could be having supper in jail. First though, De Lima’s lawyers will submit a counter motion to the court to have the cases dismissed. But these are serious charges – bail cannot be granted for these offences which carry the penalty of life imprisonment.

The state’s main case, which was filed with the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court, alleges De Lima’s involvement in the illegal-drugs trade carried out inside New Bilibid Prison (NBP) – the country’s largest penitentiary – while she was Justice Secretary. The charge, “Illegal Drug Trading,” is being brought under the 2002 Violation of the Comprehensive Drugs Act.

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