The matrix is said to show De Lima as the highest official linked to the illicit trade in the NBP.
President Rodrigo Duterte is not yet done in dropping bombs to Senator Leila de Lima because he will soon release a matrix showing the structure of the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
According to the president, the matrix shows that the lady senator is said to be the highest official linked to the illicit trade.
“I will show to you maybe this week the matrix, vina-validate ko lang, iyong matrix ng Muntinlupa. Nandoon si De Lima sa matrix so it would show her role there,” he told reporters in a chance interview in Malacañang.
While Duterte refused to give more details about the matrix, he claimed that De Lima is the highest official in the structure.
He also said former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III is in the matrix. Baraan served as the supervisor of the Bureau of Corrections and the New Bilibid Prison during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
The President mentioned that his friend who serves as a governor and an undersecretary also appeared in the alleged organizational structure of the Muntinlupa-based drug trade.
“There is also a governor. I know he is my friend but I could not believe it. Eh nandiyan siya sa revelation. [There] is a governor and an undersecretary,” Duterte said.
Duterte is also expected to reveal another list of government officials involved in the illegal drug trade.
His timing for releasing the matrix coincides coincides with the Senate investigation, led by Senator De Lima, into extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Before the start of the probe, Duterte blasted De Lima for “immorality” and accused her of having an illicit affair with her driver who he says is involved in illegal drugs.
De Lima fired back, accusing Duterte of “character assassination” and unfairly using his power to silence voices of dissent.
