Peter lim denies drug raps; DOJ rejects affidavit

Cebu businessman Peter Lim denied yesterday the drug trafficking charges filed against him by the Philippine National Police before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a preliminary investigation hearing, Lim’s lawyer Majilyn Loja submitted to the investigating panel her client’s counter- affidavit seeking the dismissal of the charges of sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery and transportation of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

But the DOJ panel composed of Assistant State Prosecutors Aristotle Reyes and John Michael Humarang rejected Lim’s formal answer after he failed to appear before them as required in the first hearing last Aug. 14.

The investigating prosecutors said they would not accept the counter-affidavit until Lim personally subscribes it to them.

Loja explained to the panel that Lim subscribed the formal answer before Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Antonio Valencia in the Manila City prosecutor’s office last Tuesday, Aug. 22, as allowed under Rule 112 of the Rules of Court.

The lawyer cited her client’s security concerns in deciding to instead subscribe to his affidavit before the Manila prosecutor’s office.

“He has enumerated the confluence of events why he’s fearful for his life; it is quite specific as to the reasons why he is unable to appear before today’s preliminary investigation,” she explained.

Loja explained that Lim felt that the security in Manila City Hall where the city prosecutor’s office is located is better than that in the DOJ.

“Did you see the number of people around? We could not be sure about the security. It was a personal decision that he made. Access to this place (DOJ) is available to anyone who can come in regardless.