SC junks Lim’s plea to block DOJ probe

The Supreme Court has dismissed Peter Lim's plea to block the new panel created by the Department of Justice from investigating his alleged drug links.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra shared to reporters a copy of the SC's Third Division notice stating that Lim's petition for certiorari was junked “for failure to show any grave abuse of discretion in rendering the challenged order and resolution.”

The high tribunal also said that the DOJ's action on Lim's case “on the contrary, appear to be in accord with the facts and the applicable law and jurisprudence.”

Lim earlier asked the high court to nullify the order issued by former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II voiding an earlier resolution dismissing the complaints against him.

Aguirre created a new panel of prosecutors to look into the case after the dismissal reaped public outrage. Lim, in his petition, alleged that the new investigation into the case violated his rights to life, liberty, due process of law and speedy disposition of case.

The controversial businessman also said that the DOJ committed grave abuse of discretion for nullifying the first resolution on the case. The new panel, after revisiting the complaints, found probable cause against Lim and charged him with conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading before the Regional Trial Court in Makati City.

RTC Branch 65 Acting Presiding Judge Gina Bibat Palamos issued a warrant of arrest against Lim on August 14. Lim has gone into hiding and remained at large since then.