De Lima says: DOJ ‘interested’ in separate probe on Binay case

DOJ Sec. Leila De Lima. Photo courtesy of UNTV

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Thursday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering launching an investigation into the allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay.

De Lima expressed the possibility of the DOJ conducting its own probe into the matter, based on initial results from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI.)

“Pero sa ngayon wala pang basehan for preliminary investigation. Kailangan muna may resulta muna ang imbestigasyon from our investigative arm which is the NBI (As of now we do not have a basis for a preliminary investigation. We first need results from the investigation of our investigative arm, which is the NBI),” De Lima said to reporters.

De Lima likewise pointed out that the DOJ must first receive an official request from the blue ribbon sub-committee before they can assist in the investigation.

She added, however, that whether such a request is issued or not, the DOJ and the NBI are already discussing the possibility of a separate investigation, and weighing all matters surrounding the probe.

“Pinag uusapan na namin yan but we have to make really a decision on that kasi unang-una may mga kaso na sana sa Ombdusman. Pangalawa, tinitingnan din namin yung mga nagiging development sa Senate subcommittee, (We are in the process of discussing it but we have to make really a decision on that because first of all, there is a case before the Ombudsman. Secondly, we are also looking at the developments in the senate sub-committee.),” she said.

De Lima made the statement in reference to the ongoing proceedings relative to plunder and graft charges filed against Binay and other members of his family, in connection with purported overpricing of the Makati City Hall 2 parking building. Other issues have also come to light in the course of the investigation; such as Binay’s alleged ill-gotten wealth and assets.

“Pero the more na may lumalabas na mga information, mga evidence, mga detalye na yan, mga testimonya nila; the more na nagiging interesado din kami na pwedeng makialam, (But the more information that is revealed, more evidence, details, testimonies; the more that we become interested in involving ourselves.)