A report on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali” on Wednesday quoted lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, counsel of inmate Noel Martinez, as saying that his client was denied access to his lawyers and loved ones since he and 19 other high-profile inmates were transferred to an NBI facility last December 15.
Topacio reportedly said this during the hearing at the Court of Appeals in connection to the application of writ of amparo filed against De Lima by the families of the inmates.
De Lima ordered the transfer of the inmates following a surprise raid at the NBP where VIP treatment and illegal items were discovered.
Topacio insisted there was no basis under the law to justify the transfer.
GMA News Online tried but failed to contact De Lima for her comment.
However, De Lima has earlier said there was nothing illegal in the transfer of the inmates. —Amanda Fernandez/KBK, GMA News
