Court resets de Lima arraignment to September 15

August 18, 2017

The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday reset the arraignment on the illegal drug case of detained Sen. Leila de Lima to September 15.

Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz rescheduled it following request of government prosecutors  Corpuz gave prosecutors 15 days or until Aug. 25 to submit its rejoinder and additional evidence.

De Lima arrived at the Muntinlupa justice hall around 8 a.m. in a Philippine National Police coaster, flanked by policemen.

At least 40 supporters waved streamers calling for her immediate release. De Lima was arrested on drug charges on February 24.

The hearing ended before 10 a.m. and De Lima was brought back to the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City where she is detained.

The case at Branch 205 stemmed from the complaint of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), accusing De Lima of benefiting from the illegal drug trade at New Bilibid Prison.

The complaint was based on statements of drug convicts who testified in a hearing at the House of Representatives. DMS