Senator Leila de Lima welcomes Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa before the start of the Senate hearing on the extrajudicial killings.(MNS photo)
MANILA (PNA) – The Presidential Security Group refuted on Wednesday Senator Leila de Lima’s claim that her former security aide Philippine Air Force (PAF) Sgt. Jonel Sanchez was forced to sign an affidavit against the lady senator.
”This is to refute her statement about Sgt. Jonel Sanchez PAF. To date, he has not signed any affidavit to that effect,” PSG spokesperson Lt. Col. Michael Aquino said in a press statement.
Aquino said Sanchez, who has been confined to barracks while he was being investigated for allegation that he was De Lima’s bagman, has signified to have a counsel “preferably of his own choice.”
”But up to now he has not presented one. Since we fully respect his right to counsel, we have given him enough leverage to produce one. Therefore, the text message sent to Sen. De Lima has no basis,” Aquino said.
In a press conference at the Senate on Wednesday, De Lima claimed that she received a text message from her asset that her former security aide was being forced to sign an affidavit.
Aquino assured that the PSG will abide by the rule of law in handling the case of Sanchez.
The PSG reportedly said it would allow Sanchez to appear in the House of Representatives inquiry into the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) under De Lima’s watch as former Justice secretary.
In previous House probe, several witnesses from the national penitentiary, have accused De Lima of receiving millions of funds from convicted drug lords to finance her senatorial election campaign.