The camp of former Senator Leila de Lima is optimistic that the recantation of seven convicted witnesses can lead to the dismissal of the remaining drug case against her.
Attorney Filibon Tacardon expressed that if these witnesses are called to testify, it would strengthen their demurrer to evidence and provide grounds for the complete dismissal of the drug case against Senator De Lima. Tacardon mentioned that they have already submitted the inmates’ letter to the court and are currently awaiting further instructions.
In a handwritten letter dated November 17, 2023, inmates German Agojo, Tomas Doniña, Jaime Patcho, Wu Tuan Yuan (alias Peter Co), Engelberto Durano, Jerry Pepino, and Hans Anton Tan expressed their desire to recant their previous testimonies against De Lima “in the interest of truth and justice.”
The recantation letter was attached to De Lima’s urgent motion filed with the Muntinlupa court on November 21, requesting the transfer of the seven inmates from Sablayan prison to an appropriate facility at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Earlier this year, two other inmate-witnesses, Rodolfo Magleo and Nonilo Arile, also expressed their willingness to recant their allegations in De Lima’s remaining drug case.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 23, 2023
