Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Senator Leila de Lima is ready to face the charges and go to jail in case the Justice Department releases on Monday its resolution on cases of drug trafficking filed against her.

"I've been preparing for a worst case scenario kasi katuparan lang po 'yan ng matagal nang inuutos ng Pangulo. Di ba matagal na niyang sinasabi that he wants me locked up in jail," she said on Monday, referring to President Rodrigo Duterte. [Translation: I've been preparing for a worst case scenario because it's long been ordered by the President. Hasn't he said for the longest time that he wants me locked up in jail?]

Duterte has accused De Lima of corruption during her term as Justice Secretary under former President Benigno Aquino III.

Consolidated cases of drug trafficking were filed against De Lima by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), former National Bureau of Investigation deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala, the National Bureau of Investigation, and convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian.

Another case filed against De Lima is in connection with Eastern Visayas drug lord Kerwin Espinosa's drug operations.

The cases stemmed from allegations that De Lima abetted the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison and received huge payouts from convicted drug lords for them to continue their trade and to fund her senatorial campaign.

Related: Self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa: I gave ₱8M to De Lima's campaign; senator denies allegation

Legal case vs. Aguirre for "perks" given to inmates

De Lima said her legal team is firming up possible cases that she will file against Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, including subornation of perjury and tampering with witnesses. Subornation of perjury refers to inducing another person to lie while under oath.

She said these are illegal acts as a Justice Secretary should recuse themselves from getting involved with witnesses. She added Aguirre is unfit for his position because he is not behaving judiciously.

It was De Lima who divulged last week a memorandum dated December 15, 2016 that showed Aguirre was aware of the "lavish lifestyles" and special privileges allowed to high-profile inmates such as the use of cell phones, smart television sets, air conditioning units, and Internet.

"Hindi naman ho nila dine-deny yung confidential memo na yan. Kung sinasabi nila na hindi totoo yung nakalagay dun, bakit in the first place finorward ni BuCor Director General Delos Santos iyung confidential memo na yan to the Secretary of Justice, Secretary Aguirre," De Lima said.

[Translation: They aren't denying that confidential memo. If they claim that the contents (of the memo) are false, why did the BuCor director general De Los Santos forward the confidential memo to the Secretary of Justice."]

Last Friday, Aguirre denied receiving such a memorandum.

Related: Confidential memo claims Aguirre knew high-profile inmates' 'lavish' lifestyle

The lady senator also said she has information that some Bureau of Corrections officers are being pressured to change the contents of the memo.

"Ang balita ko nga pinepressure nila yung legal officer ng BuCor para baguhin ang laman ng confidential memo na yan," she said. [Translation: I heard that they are pressuring the legal officer of the BuCor to revise the contents of that confidential memo.]</s>The most they can do, the two senators said, is to ensure that the warrant won't be served inside the Senate session hall

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate will not be able to do anything if an arrest warrant is issued against Senator Leila de Lima.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon and Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said this on Monday, February 13, when asked on the supposed impending arrest of their colleague.

The most they can do, Drilon and Sotto said, is to ensure that the warrant won't be served inside the Senate session hall.

"Firstly by tradition, we will not and we will oppose the service of warrant of arrest inside the session hall. The sanctity of the session hall must be respected," Drilon told reporters in an interview.

"That (De Lima's alleged offense) is punishable by more than 6 years imprisonment... We can't do anything except we won't allow any arrest in the session hall," Sotto said.

Article 6, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution states that a senator or representative cannot be arrested while Congress is in session, if the alleged offense is punishable by less than 6 years of imprisonment.

In De Lima's case, she is accused of protecting drug lords inside the New Bilibid Prison. Republic Act No. 9165 imposes a penalty of more than 12 years to 20 years imprisonment and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 for such an offense.

On Monday morning, De Lima said she is preparing for a "worst-case scenario," as she expects the immediate release of an arrest warrant.

After all, she said, it's what President Rodrigo Duterte wants. (READ: Duterte: De Lima will surely go to jail)

De Lima also claimed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to file the charges against her before a regular court to expedite the release of the warrant. She argued this is not the proper way, as the Ombudsman has sole jurisdiction over public officials like her.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II previously confirmed that an arrest warrant against the senator would be out "anytime" soon. But he denied on Monday that the DOJ was rushing the proceedings, slamming De Lima's statements as "irresponsible" and "erroneous".

De Lima's fellow Liberal Party senators Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV earlier questioned the impending arrest warrant, saying issuing one without credible evidence is illegal.

They also questioned the truthfulness of inmates' testimonies during a House probe, saying these inmates could have been threatened to testify against De Lima.

"Filing charges and issuing warrants of arrest without credible evidence or witness is illegal and unjust – whether ordinary Filipino or senator. The stabbing of potential witness Jaybee Sebastian also puts a serious cloud of doubt on the veracity of his testimony and those of other inmates made to testify who may all very well be fearful for their lives," the LP senators said in a joint statement. – Rappler.com</s>'It implies that we can control or influence our courts. We do not do that, at least in my time,' says Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II slammed Senator Leila de Lima's statements as "erroneous" and "irresponsible", after the senator accused the Department of Justice (DOJ) of skirting court procedure to rush the issuance of an arrest warrant against her.

"It is a totally irresponsible statement. It implies that we can control or influence our courts. We do not do that, at least in my time as Secretary of Justice. It might be what was done during her time at the DOJ but definitely it will not be done during my time," Aguirre said in a statement on Monday, February 13.

De Lima said on Monday morning that she expects an arrest warrant against her to be out soon, and that the DOJ will file the charges before a trial court instead of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Aguirre said, however, that there's no truth to De Lima's statements.

"It is totally irresponsible of her to announce that the DOJ is expediting the issuance of such warrants. That is a blatant lie and a total misinformation. Senator De Lima's motivation for saying such is beyond us," Aguirre said.

Last week, Aguirre had said the arrest order against De Lima would be out "anytime" soon in connection with her alleged links to illegal drugs.

"She knows that anytime, lalabas na ang warrant of arrest (the arrest warrant against her would be served)," he said. (READ: LP senators to DOJ: Arrest warrant without credible evidence is illegal) – Rappler.com</s>Philippines Senator Leila de Lima is "preparing for a worst-case scenario" over the possibility of charges being filed and the issuance of an arrest warrant against her over her alleged role in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison.

The Liberal Party senator has frequently clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte and claimed it has long been his ambition to see her jailed. She also referred to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II's recent statement that an arrest warrant against her could be served "anytime" soon.

"I've been preparing for a worst-case scenario because it's long been ordered by the president," de Lima said on Monday (13 February). "Hasn't he said for the longest time that he wants me locked up in jail to suffer the fate of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?"

"Those are his words, not mine. So Duterte and his allies have long been plotting against me," she added. Recent reports suggest that de Lima could be indicted this week.

De Lima has been accused of tolerating and gaining from the outlawed narcotics trade at the New Bilibid Prison by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), former officials of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the NBI itself, according to Inquirer.net. Convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian also filed a complaint against de Lima which was consolidated by the Department of Justice (DoJ).

The senator said she does not know when an arrest warrant will be issued. "But Secretary Aguirre has confirmed that the resolution (for the warrant of arrest) would be released very, very soon. And then he had statements like 'she should better brace herself for an arrest,'" she added.

De Lima said her case should be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman as she is a government official. "Instead of bringing the resolution to the Ombudsman, which has jurisdiction over me, they would go straight to regular courts to secure an arrest warrant," she claimed.

Aguirre II hit back against the accusations on Monday, calling them "totally erroneous". He said: "As a lawyer and as a former secretary of justice, she should know that the DoJ does not issue warrants of arrest.

"Consequently, it is totally irresponsible of her to announce that the DoJ is expediting the issuance of such warrants. That is a blatant lie and a total misinformation. Senator De Lima's motivation for saying such is beyond us," he added.

As the battle between de Lima and public officials rages on, the senator said she has instructed her legal team to prepare charges of subornation of perjury and tampering of witnesses against Aguirre II.

"Yes, my legal team is working on it. We are filing our own complaint against Secretary Aguirre with the Office of the Ombudsman," de Lima confirmed. She has repeatedly accused the justice secretary of forcing witnesses to testify against her during an investigation into her alleged drug links.</s>'I've been preparing for the worst-case scenario,' says Senator Leila de Lima ahead of a supposed arrest warrant against her

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Leila de Lima said on Monday, February 13, that she is preparing for the "worst," amid an impending release of an arrest warrant against her.

De Lima said it has always been the goal of President Rodrigo Duterte to put her in jail. She also cited Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II's repeated public pronouncements about her likely arrest.

"I've been preparing for the worst-case scenario. Isa po iyan sa matagal nang inuutos ng Pangulo (It has been one of the orders of the President). 'Di ho ba ilang beses na niya 'yan sinasabi (Isn't that what he has been repeatedly saying), he wants me locked up in jail to suffer the fate of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” De Lima said in an interview.

"Those are his words, not mine. So matagal na po akong pina-project ng mga 'yan (So Duterte and his allies have long been plotting against me)," she added.

The senator was then justice secretary when she stopped Arroyo from leaving the country on the basis of plunder charges against the former president. Arroyo, now representative of Pampanga's 2nd District, is a key ally of Duterte.

Last week, Aguirre said the arrest order against De Lima would be out "anytime" soon in connection with her alleged links to illegal drugs.

"She knows that anytime, lalabas na ang warrant of arrest (the arrest warrant against her would be served)," Aguirre earlier said.

No less than President Duterte, as early as September 2016, said that his fiercest critic would surely go to jail. Duterte was the first to accuse the senator of protecting drug lords, after she questioned the spate of extrajudicial killings under his administration.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), according to De Lima, plans to file the cases against her before regular courts to expedite the release of the warrant.

But she argued this is not the proper way, as the Ombudsman has the sole jurisdiction over public officials like her.

"Well, I really don't know when the arrest warrant would be issued. Ki-no-confirm [ni Aguirre] na very, very soon ay ilalabas na ['yung DOJ] resolution. Meron siyang statements na 'She better brace herself for an arrest.' Ibig sabihin magkakatotoo 'yung info ko rin na talagang pipilitin ang kaso na 'yan. Imbis ipadala sa Ombudsman, kasi 'yun ang tamang may jurisdiction, ididiretso nga nila sa regular courts para makakuha ng arrest warrant," De Lima said.

De Lima's allies in the Liberal Party (LP) questioned the impending warrant, saying the release of an arrest order without "credible evidence and witness" is illegal. LP senators also said Muntinlupa inmates were only threatened to testify against De Lima.

De Lima is facing 5 complaints before the DOJ. The first 4, filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, the National Bureau of Investigation, former NBI deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala, and inmate Jaybee Sebastian, were consolidated by the DOJ and submitted for resolution last December 21.

She is also facing charges of indirect bribery and violation of the anti-graft law. – Rappler.com</s>Senator Leila de Lima is totally irresponsible for claiming that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is expediting the issuance of a warrant of arrest against her, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Monday.

De Lima earlier said that the DOJ is set to file a case for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act against her and the government is already working for her arrest.

READ: De Lima: Duterte part of plot to arrest, jail me

The senator has been accused by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), former officials of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the NBI itself of tolerating and benefiting from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

“The claim of Senator De Lima is totally erroneous. As a lawyer and as a former Secretary of Justice, she should know that the DOJ does not issue warrants of arrest,” Aguirre said.

“Consequently, it is totally irresponsible of her to announce that the DOJ is expediting the issuance of such warrants. That is a blatant lie and a total misinformation. Senator De Lima’s motivation for saying such is beyond us,” he added.

The justice chief said De Lima’s statement implies that the DOJ has control or influence in courts.

“We do not do that, at least in my time as Secretary of Justice. It might be what was done during her time at the DOJ but definitely it will not be done during my time,” he added. RAM/rga</s>'The stabbing of Jaybee Sebastian also puts a serious cloud of doubt on the veracity of his testimony and those of other inmates made to testify who may all very well be fearful for their lives'

MANILA, Philippines – Senators from the Liberal Party on Sunday, February 12, slammed the impending release of an arrest warrant against their party mate, Senator Leila de Lima.

LP President Senator Francis Pangilinan, Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon, and Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said the release of an arrest warrant without "credible evidence" is a violation of the law.

The 3 slammed the testimonies of high-level inmates against De Lima before a House probe, citing the "Bilibid riot" involving inmate Jaybee Sebastian, which was supposedly meant to coerce him to testify. (READ: De Lima: What Bilibid riot? Gov't wants to threaten inmates)

"Filing charges and issuing warrants of arrest without credible evidence or witness is illegal and unjust – whether ordinary Filipino or senator. The stabbing of potential witness Jaybee Sebastian also puts a serious cloud of doubt on the veracity of his testimony and those of other inmates made to testify who may all very well be fearful for their lives," the LP senators said in a joint statement.

Despite Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II’s denial, documents from the Bureau of Corrections show that he allowed the VIP treatment of the inmates in exchange for their testimonies that De Lima facilitated the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

The senators also called on the Department of Justice to follow the rule of law by supporting the Ombudsman’s investigation into the drug charges filed against the lady senator.

The Ombudsman, they added, has primary jurisdiction over cases against public officers covered by the Sandiganbayan Law, specifically the Violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act filed against De Lima.

The LP senators also warned that cases are being used by the administration as "political tool, propaganda, and smokescreen or distractions for the public."

"We also call on the public to remain vigilant and to cultivate a discerning eye and a critical mind for truth and justice," they said.

Aguirre has said the arrest warrant against De Lima would be released "anytime soon."

De Lima also earlier said she received reports that the DOJ is filing the cases before regular courts to expedite the release of an arrest warrant against her. – Rappler.com</s>'I want them to be psychologically prepared. Ayaw kong mabibigla sila, na 'di nila alam ang gagawin,' says Senator Leila de Lima, who is expecting her arrest anytime soon

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Leila de Lima met with her family over the weekend, as she expects the "worst" with her supposed impending arrest.

De Lima said she held a lunch for her two brothers, sister, and younger son Vincent to psychologically prepare them for her arrest, which she expects anytime soon.

She intentionally did not include her 83-year-old mother and her son Israel, who has a special condition, in the meeting.

"I already said goodbye to my family. Of course, [it was] very sad with tears. I held a lunch with my brothers and sister, son Vincent. My son Israel, I did not ask him to come since he is with his father. My special child is Israel. My mom was there but I did not include her in the meeting, I don't want my mom to know about these things. She's already 83 years old," De Lima told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino on Tuesday, February 14.

The senator told her family that her arrest is "imminent," and that she does not want them caught off guard when it happens.

"I told them it's imminent na baka nga tuluyan na ako ipa-aresto, ifa-file na 'yung information possibly with the regular courts. Kung 'di maagapan ng TRO (temporary restraining order) na hinihingi ko then prepare yourself for this scenario," De Lima said.

As for her family's reaction, the senator said: "So siyempre malungkot sila (Of course, they were sad). I want them to be psychologically prepared. Ayaw kong mabibigla sila, na 'di nila alam ang gagawin (I don't want them to be surprised that they won't know what to do). That's why I did that."

De Lima has already talked with her staff in the Senate. She met them on Friday, February 10, and told them of the current situation.

"Sinabi ko na rin sa kanila. I want everyone to be prepared. Sabi ko nga ayoko makakita umiiyak. Papagalitan ko ang umiyak," she said.

She recalled some of her staff asking her if it's okay to cry. De Lima said in jest: "Hindi bawal umiyak. Huwag lang kayong magpapakita sa akin." (It's not prohibited to cry. Just don't show yourselves to me.)

De Lima is also packing for her expected stay in a detention facility. She said she has prepared one suitcase filled with comfortable clothes.

If there's one thing she's looking forward to once in detention, it's that she would have the time to read more books.

"Isa talaga sa pinakaplano ko ay I would have more time to read books. So naka-prepare na rin 'yun. Of course, bawal gadgets," she added.

De Lima is facing 5 charges – 4 of which stem from her alleged violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The senator has maintained her innocence. (READ: The public trial of Leila de Lima)

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has repeatedly said the Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution on De Lima's cases would be out not later than this week. Aguirre also earlier said the arrest warrant against De Lima would be out "anytime" soon, but denied the DOJ is rushing its issuance. – Rappler.com</s>SENATOR Leila De Lima is preparing for the worst following the recent announcement of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd that the Department of Justice (DoJ) may issue a resolution against her very soon.

De Lima said she has long been expecting the release of the resolution and her possible arrest in connection with the cases filed against her. The senator is facing five drug trafficking complaints filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly receiving payoffs from high profile drug convicts inside the National Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The senator is also facing complaints for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act because of her alleged links to Eastern Visayas drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

“I really don’t know when the arrest warrant will be issued. I’m just saying that Secretary Aguirre has confirmed that they will issue the resolution against me and that I better brace myself,” she added.

But the senator said Aguirre should also prepare to answer the complaints that she will be filing against him.

 De Lima mentioned the issue regarding the confidential memorandum about the privileges extended to high-profile convicts detained at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) custodial center in Camp Aguinaldo.

The convicts, who testified against De Lima during the inquiry held by the House committee on justice on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the NBP last year were reportedly allowed to use cell phones and other gadgets while in detention.

“These are definitely illegal acts that a secretary of justice should not be doing,” she said. Senate President pro-tempore Franklin Drilon said that should an arrest warrant be issued against De Lima, those tasked to carry out the order should follow the law.

“By tradition we will oppose service of the warrant of arrest inside the session hall. The sanctity of the session hall must be respected,” Drilon noted.</s>The Department of Justice (DOJ) is moving to indict Sen. Leila de Lima to expedite her arrest in connection with her links to the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd said on Tuesday.

In a roundtable discussion with The Manila Times editorial team on Tuesday, Aguirre said the drug trafficking charge against the senator will be filed in regular courts instead of the Office of the Ombudsman where cases have often languished.

“A crime not in relation to your office, for example trading of illegal drugs, under the Dangerous Drugs Act, it is provided that the exclusive jurisdiction is with the RTC (regional trial courts),” he explained.

If the judge agrees that there is probable cause to try de Lima for drug trafficking, the former Justice secretary faces certain arrest and may not be able to post bail.

Aguirre noted that under Section 5 of the Dangerous Drugs Act (sale and trading of illegal drugs), taken together with Section 26 (b) (conspiracy), drug trafficking is a non-bailable offense if the evidence of guilt is strong.

Moreover, drug trafficking is a continuing offense and the case can be filed in the places where the crime was committed, he said.

The Cabinet official stressed that there was sufficient evidence against de Lima and the “only legal impediment” is for the judge “not to see the probable cause” against the senator.

Last year, drug kingpin Kerwin Espinosa admitted giving de Lima P8 million to support her senatorial bid in the May 2016 elections. The transactions happened in Baguio City and in Pasay City.

De Lima is also being probed in connection with the complaints filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and former NBI deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala, over alleged conspiracy to allow the drug trade inside the NBP.

Aguirre said the cases to be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman will be those in relation to her stint as Justice secretary in the previous administration, in which capacity she had jurisdiction over the national penitentiary.

“The Ombudsman cases will be cases with graft and corruption that will be cognizable with the Sandiganbayan. In other words, if the cases against her are cognizable with the Sandiganbayan, then a preliminary investigation should be conducted by the Ombudsman,” Aguirre said.

It is up to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to adopt any DOJ resolution to indict de Lima at the Sandiganbayan, or not to approve the case at all.

“And since we were the ones who have concurrent jurisdiction and since it is the Ombudsman which has the primary jurisdiction, then we have to forward this with the Ombudsman for further preliminary investigation unless they wanted to adopt the resolution of the DOJ,” Aguirre pointed out.

The DOJ panel probing de Lima is led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong, with Senior Assistant City Prosecutors Alexander Ramos, Leila Llanes, Evangeline Viudez-Canobas and Assistant State Prosecutor Editha Fernandez as members.

Senator de Lima on Tuesday expressed hope that she would be put in a safe and secure place in the event that she is arrested in connection with the drug trafficking complaints filed against her.

De Lima said her legal team was preparing for the possible issuance of an arrest warrant against her anytime soon.

“My only request in case that eventuality happened, God forbid, is that I will be placed in a safe and secure place. A lot of things have been happening, there were those being killed inside their cell. So what is another EJK (extra-judicial killing)?” de Lima told reporters.

The embattled senator, a leading critic of the President’s war on drugs, also said she will not resist in case the warrant is served on her.

“I cannot physically resist. I am morally and psychologically resisting it because I’m innocent absolutely, but physically I cannot resist. What can I do?” she added.

De Lima has pending petitions at the Court of Appeals on the first consolidated drug-related cases filed by the VACC, NBI and the two former officials as well as the second complaint linking her to Espinosa.

The senator said her lawyers have filed an urgent motion to resolve her application for a temporary restraining order, but the Court of Appeals has yet to act on it. A number of justices have inhibited from the case.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he would back de Lima’s wish to be detained in a safe place considering that there have been precedents.

Lacson was referring to former senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., who are detained at the custodial center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame over pork barrel misuse.

“If former senators were allowed to be detained in that facility, how much more a sitting senator,” Lacson added.
A warrant of arrest is to be served on Philippines opposition leader and senator Leila de Lima.