(Eagle News) — Detained Senator Leila de Lima has asked the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court to allow her to vote in the May 13 elections.
De Lima, who is detained on drug charges, filed the motion following a recommendation from the Commission on Elections for her to “still exercise her right to suffrage through the escorted voting system..”
The Comelec made the suggestion after it denied De Lima’s request for “a special polling place at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center” where she is detained, citing Section 155 of the Omnibus Code that said that “no polling place shall be located within the perimeter of or inside a military or police camp or reservation.”
Branch 256 has already granted De Lima’s motion, while her motion before Branch 205 has been submitted for resolution.
The drug charges against De Lima stem from her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary.
De Lima, who has repeatedly blamed President Rodrigo Duterte for her plight, has denied the charges.
