(Eagle News)– Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday laughed off the drug matrix released by President Rodrigo Duterte about her alleged role in narcotics trade inside New Bilibid Prison.
“As I have often said, I will not dignify any further this so-called ‘drug matrix’ which, any ordinary lawyer knows too well, properly belongs to the garbage can,” De Lima said.
More mockery was given by the senator, and even described the matrix as “worst matrix of all time”.
“Even a 12-year-old can draw such a thing,” she stated.
De Lima presented a copy of the drug matrix with hand-written “corrections” and grammar notes in her press conference.
De Lima also defended her former colleagues Justice Undersecretary Francis Baraan II and former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu who were also identified with her in the drug matrix.
De Lima vowed that Baraan has no direct charge over penitentiaries under the power of BuCor.
“I can confirm that explanation of his—I confirm na as Usec. in charge of BuCor, he has limited administrative supervision over BuCor, naaalala ko nga, halos hindi yan sumasama sa akin yan dun sa mga raids ko, dun sa mga ocular inspection ko,” she explained.
As for Bucayu, De Lima explained that it was because of his family’s demands why Bucayu resigned.
“Umiiyak na yung pamilya niya kaya nag-resign na lang. And now, ang sabi na naman dito sa matrix kunong ito, because of alleged involvement. Nadawit na naman yung tao na nag-resign na nga. Paano na naman yung napi-feel ng pamilya niya?” De Lima said.