MANILA — At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum on Wednesday (22 Nov 2023), hosted by Journalist Marchu Villanueva, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, and former Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre III revealed an intriguing aspect of the legal proceedings involving Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206.
They asserted that Judge Gito was Leila De Lima’s favored student before at San Beda College of Law.
Roque underscored the significance of this special relationship, suggesting that it could be a valid ground for the judge’s inhibition in De Lima’s case. The former officials further alleged bias in the judge’s decision to grant bail to De Lima.
Sec. Aguirre brought attention to financial implications, referencing Rafael Ragos’ affidavit of disassociation. According to Aguirre, Ragos claimed the previous administration coerced him into implicating De Lima in the illegal drug trade, and Aguirre expressed skepticism, stating, “Naniniwala ako na lahat ng mga recant ay may kaakibat na pera yan, kaya si Ragos ay bumaliktad.”
The disclosures come as Sec. Leila De Lima is on the verge of freedom, having been granted bail after seven years of incarceration.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)