De5 in drug matrix?

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday revealed that he would come out with a matrix next week, which will show Senator Leila de Lima’s involvement in drug trafficking in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

“I will show to you, maybe this week the matrix. I am just validating the matrix in Muntinlupa. De Lima is included in the matrix. So it would show her role there,” the President said at the sideline of the oath-taking of generals and

flag officers at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

While the President refused to give a more detailed information about the matrix, he said that De Lima was the highest ranking official who has links to illegal drugs.

Apart from De Lima, Duterte also hinted that a governor and an Undersecretary are also included in the list.

“When I go out with the matrix, you will know. There is also a governor and you know, he’s my friend, I could not believe it but he’s there in the revelation. There’s a governor and an Undersecretary,” he said.

Asked then if he is referring to former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, Duterte said, "How did you know? Yes, [he is]."

Last Thursday, Duterte alleged that De Lima’s driver and alleged lover, who was identified as Ronnie Palisoc Dian, was the one collecting the drug money for the campaign funds of the senator.

The President also claimed last Sunday that during De Lima’s stint as Justice secretary, most of the inmates were given preferential treatment.

“There were parties being held almost every night; there was a combo, a musical group; liquors and alcoholic drinks flowed freely and women went inside and out the prison,” Duterte said.

“If she (De Lima) would face me here, I would tell her: Explain to me your immorality and explain to me your connection with the drug people… She cannot deny it because there are pictures taken at that time. But she never for a moment just deny it,” he added.

De Lima, however, denied the President’s allegations against her and described it as an “absolute lie.”

She also said that she is “willing to be shot” in front of the President if the accusations thrown against her will be proven true.

“I’m denying it again. That’s an absolute lie, that’s completely false,” De Lima said on her supposed drug links.