The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a motion seeking to reopen one of the two drug cases of former senator Leila De Lima in order to present a new witness against her.
In a six-page motion, the DOJ's panel of prosecutors requested the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204 to reopen case 17-165, which accused De Lima and Ronnie Dayan of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading allegedly done during her time as justice secretary.
"The Prosecution moves for the reconsideration of the order given in open court today, and for the re-opening of the trial to allow the presentation of prosecution’s rebuttal evidence," the motion read.
“While the presentation of rebuttal evidence is discretionary with the prosecution in criminal action, in the instant case, the overwhelming import of the new facts disclosed by the accused which have a damaging effect on the complainant’s version is imperative and necessary," it added.
The said move took De Lima's defense counsel Filibon Tacardon by surprise, as he said both parties had already agreed to have the case submitted for decision.
According to Tacardon, their camp will be filing an option to the motion.
Last year, Ragos and self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa retracted their allegations against De Lima and apologized to her.
De Lima is accused of benefiting financially from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison during her stint as Justice Secretary. She has repeatedly denied the allegation.
In February 2021, the Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 205 junked one of the three-drug cases against De Lima.
De Lima, a known critic of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was detained since 2017.
