“As I have often said, I will not dignify any further this so-called drug matrix which, any ordinary lawyer knows too well, properly belongs to the garbage can,” Sen. Leila De Lima, who is linked by President Rodrigo Duterte himself to illegal drugs trade, tells reporters.
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Saying she is 100 percent of her innocence, Sen. Leila de Lima on Thursday laughed off President Rodrigo Duterte’s matrix supposedly showing her role in the drug operations inside the New Bilibid Prison.
In a press conference, De Lima said the matrix—released by Duterte on the wee hours of Thursday—deserves to be put in the “garbage.”
The matrix also linked Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino, Jr. to the illegal drug operations at the national penitentiary, describing him as “the richest politician in Northern Luzon” and one who “has amassed unexplained wealth.”
In her press conference, De Lima said she has filed a murder case against Espino when she was secretary of the Department of Justice and he governor of Pangasinan. The case, however, was dismissed.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Thursday that he intends to meet with Espino.
Speaking to reporters, Alvarez said the House of Representatives will not do anything “drastic” after Espino’s name appeared in the matrix of the “Muntinlupa Connection” presented by Duterte on the wee hours of Thursday.
“Of course, kailangan tingnan natin dahil hindi naman ibig sabihin na nandoon ‘yung pangalan mo ay kami dito sa Kongreso, meron kaagad gagawin na drastic,” Alvarez said.
“We have to look into that. Meron naman tayong proper committees para tingnan itong complaint na ito,” he added.
Alvarez, a close ally of President Duterte, said he will speak with Espino on Tuesday next week.
In Duterte’s matrix, Espino, former governor of Pangasinan, was tagged as “the richest politician in Northern Luzon” and one who “has amassed unexplained wealth.”
The matrix also links him to black sand mining, quarrying, and jueteng operations.(MNS)