Former Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II may possibly face perjury for allegedly forcing a witness to testify against former Senator Leila De Lima, who was able to post bail for her last drug case.

In a television interview, former Senate President Franklin D. Drilon said that Aguirre may face charges of subornation of perjury after the testimony of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Rafae Ragos, who said that he was coerced to testify against De Lima.

Ragos is the principal witness in one of De Lima’s drug cases who renounced his allegation, claiming that Aguirre forced him to execute affidavits involving the former legislator in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) after receiving threats of being retained.

According to Drilon, the former Justice Secretary may be put in jail for 10 to 12 years if proven guilty of coercing Ragos, as stated under the Revised Penal Code.

However, no evidence is yet to prove the former president’s involvement in inducing and directing De Lima’s case.

If proven involved, former President Rodrigo Duterte may also be charged with subornation of perjury.

Aguirre was appointed as the Justice Secretary during the administration of Duterte.