Jerry Valeroso, a former policeman and prosecution witness, is retracting his accusations against former Senator Leila de Lima in her ongoing drug case, as revealed in a letter obtained by ABS-CBN News.
Valeroso had previously claimed to have witnessed P65 million worth of drug money inside the cell of a Chinese inmate when De Lima served as justice secretary.
In a letter addressed to the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 2016 on December 19, Valeroso expressed his desire to revoke his claims in order to secure the release of individuals who were wrongfully charged. He described his accusations as “pure hearsay and full of lies,” citing a troubled conscience as the reason behind his decision.
Valeroso admitted that he had planned to recant his statements as early as 2019 but refrained from doing so out of fear for his safety and that of his family and loved ones. He assured that he would submit an official affidavit of recantation once he consults his lawyer.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 21, 2023
