Philippines: Duterte releases ‘matrix’ showing senator’s alleged drug ties
Former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima, right, talks to Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa prior to the start of the Senate probe on the rising number of deaths related to President Rodrigo Duterte's "War on Drugs". Pic: AP
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday released a “matrix” chart that he claims reveals Sen Leila de Lima’s alleged links to the country’s narcotics trade.
The senator is among the harshest critics of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which has resulted in nearly 1,800 deaths in seven weeks.
According to the Philippines Star, the chart details De Lima’s alleged involvement in the drug trade behind the walls of Mutinlupa city’s New Bilibid Prison in a network that includes other politicians and senior officials, such as Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino Jr.
BREAKING: #PresidentDuterte releases 'NBP drug link matrix' | via@lalaababilonia
De Lima’s driver Ronie Dayan, former Justice Undersecretary Francisco “Toti” Baraan III, Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Rafael “Raffy” Baraan, retired Gen. Franklin Bucayo and Pangasinan Board Member Raul Sison, were also named in the chart.
Duterte had earlier alleged that De Lima was having an affair with Dayan, who he said had been involved in moving drug money to fund her election campaign. Dayan was mentioned as a “case fixer” of prominent politicians in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan in the matrix.
The president also said De Lima was the highest-ranking official involved in the syndicate.
De Lima, who had supervised the facility during her time as justice secretary under the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, has denied the claims, saying she had been the one who ordered raids on the prison.
She also pointed out that Congress had already investigated the alleged prevalence of drugs at the prison in 2014.
“I never benefited with anything from drugs. I am not a protector, coddler or drug lord. Maybe others will not believe, but later they would. And those who know me, they know I will never do that,” she said.
De Lima headed the Senate committee leading the investigation into widespread killings amid Duterte’s crackdown on drugs in the country.
Meanwhile, Former Pangasinan administrator Rafael Baraan said he was shocked about being included in a “drug matrix”, the Inquirer reported.
“This is the biggest and most fantastic joke I’ve ever encountered in my whole life,” he was quoted as saying.
