DoJ Chief: Testimonies of witnesses bring positive effect for case build up vs De Lima

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II (Photo: Jess Escaros Jr./PNA)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday said the testimonies of witnesses presented in Thursday’s House Justice committee public hearing on the alleged drug trafficking operations in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) have positive effect on gathering additional documentary evidence that will further strengthen the case against then Justice secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima.

“Maganda ang effect nun. Actually nakakuha pa kami another two (witnesses) na magsasabi na directa nagbigay ng pera kay De Lima (and), malaking malaki ang nakuha namin sa pag testify ni Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu,” Aguirre told reporters covering the beat in DOJ head office in Manila.

Bucayu, former Bureau of Corrections director, who volunteered to attend Thursday’s hearing as he denied allegations he had been receiving monthly money from drug lord inmates inside NBP.

According to Aguirre, Bucayu had been stuck, on the witness stand.

“He’s really stuck. So that’s good for us. That’s the demeanor of the witness, that’s the appearance/look of someone who’s lying. Look at the other witnesses, then compare it with the one who’s truthful,” Aguirre stressed.